Separation of fascicles for motor unit separability in reinnervated muscles for neuroprosthesis application

After amputation, muscle signals can be used as a signal source for advanced prosthetic control. Innovative surgical techniques like muscle reinnervation surgeries have proven to be an advanced option. This study introduces a novel variation of the traditional muscle reinnervation approaches to provide a more robust and flexible signal source in prosthetic limbs. By implanting two separated fascicles at distant locations within a single muscle, our approach facilitates more effective innervation of the muscle to increase the spatial separability of the signal. Electrophysiological and histological analyses are used to verify that muscle signal amplitude is increased and the separability of motor units within the signal is improved. This work holds potential for enhancing the signals used to control dexterous prostheses.