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Updated: Nov 26, 2025
The Muscle Cuff Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for the Amplification of Intact Peripheral Nerve Signals
Published on: January 13, 2022
Regenerative peripheral nerve interface free muscle graft mass and function
Yaxi Hu1,2, Daniel C Ursu1, Racquel A Sohasky1
1Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Background:
Regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) transduce neural signals to provide high-fidelity control of neuroprosthetic devices. Traditionally, rat RPNIs are constructed with ~150 mg of free skeletal muscle grafts. It is unknown whether larger free muscle grafts allow RPNIs to transduce greater signal.
Methods:
RPNIs were constructed by securing skeletal muscle grafts of various masses (150, 300, 600, or 1200 mg) to the divided peroneal nerve. In the control group, the peroneal nerve was transected without repair. Endpoint assessments were conducted 3 mo postoperatively.
Results:
Compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), maximum tetanic isometric force, and specific muscle force were significantly higher for both the 150 and 300 mg RPNI groups compared to the 600 and 1200 mg RPNIs. Larger RPNI muscle groups contained central areas lacking regenerated muscle fibers.
Conclusions:
Electrical signaling and tissue viability are optimal in smaller as opposed to larger RPNI constructs in a rat model.
