Experimental Basis for Creating an Osseointegrated Neural Interface for Prosthetic Control: A Pilot Study in Rabbits

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Amputation neuromas are a common complication of limb loss.
• Controlling robotic prostheses requires a robust neural interface.
• Nerve transposition into bone is a known treatment for neuromas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the stability and physiological function of nerves transposed into the medullary canal.
• To determine the feasibility of using transposed nerves as a neural interface for osseointegrated robotic prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Transfemoral amputation was performed on New Zealand white rabbits.
• The sciatic nerve was transposed into the femur's medullary canal.
• Morphological examination and electrophysiological recordings were conducted at 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Nerves remained stable within the bone's medullary canal.
• Compound nerve action potentials were successfully evoked from transposed nerves.
• Electrophysiological signals indicated retained physiological function.

Conclusions:

• Nerve transposition into bone provides a stable environment for residual nerves.
• Transposed nerves maintain physiological activity, suitable for neural interface development.
• This technique shows promise for creating osseointegrated neural interfaces for advanced prosthesis control.