Targeted reinnervation for improved prosthetic function.

Target motor reinnervation can produce additional myoelectric control signals for improved powered prosthesis control. This reinnervation allows simultaneous operation of multiple functions in an externally powered prosthesis with physiologically appropriate pathways, and it provides more intuitive control than is possible with conventional myoelectric prostheses. Target sensory reinnervation has the potential to provide the sensory feed-back to the amputee that feels like it is in the missing limb. This concept has great potential for improving the function of people with upper limb amputations, especially for high-level amputations, in which the disability is greatest. It is hoped that future research will develop the technique further and build synergistically with other exciting research areas.