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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface: Surgical Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postamputation Pain
Published on: March 15, 2024
Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) and vascularized Denervated Muscle Targets (VDMT): a preclinical
Jorge González-Prieto1,2, Mario Arenillas3, Elisa Sanz Barbero4
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Peripheral Nerve Unit, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Carretera de Toledo Km 12.5, Madrid, 28905-Getafe, Spain.
Journal of Translational Medicine
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Vascularized Denervated Muscle Targets (VDMTs) showed better tissue preservation and signal detection compared to Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) in a rabbit model. This study establishes rabbits as a viable platform for neuromuscular interface research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNIs) and Vascularized Denervated Muscle Targets (VDMTs) are key for nerve regeneration and prosthetic control.
- Preclinical studies in rodents are limited by anatomical and scale constraints for implantable device evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate the first rabbit models for RPNI and VDMT.
- To establish a translational platform for implantable neuromuscular interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were assigned to RPNI or VDMT groups (n=4 each) with an 8-week follow-up.
- RPNIs used biceps femoris grafts; VDMTs used vascularized gastrocnemius flaps.
- Electrophysiological and histological analyses were performed, with comparisons using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests.
Main Results:
- VDMTs demonstrated trends toward better vascularization and integration.
- Electromyographic activity was detected in 3/4 VDMTs, but not in RPNIs.
- VDMTs showed significantly less muscle necrosis (0%) compared to RPNIs (20%-95%).
- Neuroma formation occurred in all RPNIs and 2/4 VDMTs.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit models for RPNI and VDMT constructs are feasible for preclinical evaluation.
- VDMTs exhibited superior tissue preservation and signal detection in this study.
- Rabbits offer a promising methodological platform for future neuromuscular interface research.
