Self-Contained Neuromusculoskeletal Arm Prostheses.

Journal: The New England journal of medicine
Published Date: Apr 30, 2020

Abstract

We report the use of a bone-anchored, self-contained robotic arm with both sensory and motor components over 3 to 7 years in four patients after transhumeral amputation. The implant allowed for bidirectional communication between a prosthetic hand and electrodes implanted in the nerves and muscles of the upper arm and was anchored to the humerus through osseointegration, the process in which bone cells attach to an artificial surface without formation of fibrous tissue. Use of the device did not require formal training and depended on the intuitive intent of the user to activate movement and sensory feedback from the prosthesis. Daily use resulted in increasing sensory acuity and effectiveness in work and other activities of daily life. (Funded by the Promobilia Foundation and others.).

Authors

  • Max Ortiz-Catalan
    Division for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Signals and Systems, Chalmers University of Technology, Campus Johanneberg, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Enzo Mastinu
    From the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology (M.O.-C., E.M.), the Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital (P.S.), and the Department of Orthopedics, Gothenburg University (R.B.) - all in Gothenburg, Sweden; the Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (O.A.); and the Center for Extreme Bionics, Biomechatronics Group, MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (R.B.).
  • Paolo Sassu
    From the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology (M.O.-C., E.M.), the Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital (P.S.), and the Department of Orthopedics, Gothenburg University (R.B.) - all in Gothenburg, Sweden; the Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (O.A.); and the Center for Extreme Bionics, Biomechatronics Group, MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (R.B.).
  • Oskar Aszmann
  • Rickard BrÃ¥nemark
    From the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology (M.O.-C., E.M.), the Department of Hand Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital (P.S.), and the Department of Orthopedics, Gothenburg University (R.B.) - all in Gothenburg, Sweden; the Clinical Laboratory for Bionic Extremity Reconstruction, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna (O.A.); and the Center for Extreme Bionics, Biomechatronics Group, MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (R.B.).

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