TRANSHUMERAL LEVEL FITTING AND OUTCOMES FOLLOWING TARGETED HYPER-REINNERVATION NERVE TRANSFER SURGERY

Abstract

In a typical transhumeral myoelectric system, biceps and triceps control both elbow and hand. Mode selection (frequently co-contraction) is used to switch between these two functions. In addition to requiring that these movements be performed sequentially, use of the biceps and triceps is not physiological for control of the hand. A novel approach for simultaneous control of multiple myoelectric functions was developed. This was made possible by ‘Targeted Reinnervation’; a surgical intervention, which involves the transfer of the peripheral nerves that used to provide signals to the forearm for hand function, to remaining muscles on the transhumeral limb.