title: Implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring arm and hand function in people with high level tetraplegia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop and apply an implanted neuroprosthesis to restore arm and hand function to individuals with high level tetraplegia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals with spinal cord injuries (N=2) at or above the C4 motor level.
  
  
  METHODS
  The individuals were each implanted with 2 stimulators (24 stimulation channels and 4 myoelectric recording channels total). Stimulating electrodes were placed in the shoulder and arm, being, to our knowledge, the first long-term application of spiral nerve cuff electrodes to activate a human limb. Myoelectric recording electrodes were placed in the head and neck areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Successful installation and operation of the neuroprosthesis and electrode performance, range of motion, grasp strength, joint moments, and performance in activities of daily living.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The neuroprosthesis system was successfully implanted in both individuals. Spiral nerve cuff electrodes were placed around upper extremity nerves and activated the intended muscles. In both individuals, the neuroprosthesis has functioned properly for at least 2.5 years postimplant. Hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder movements were achieved. A mobile arm support was needed to support the mass of the arm during functional activities. One individual was able to perform several activities of daily living with some limitations as a result of spasticity. The second individual was able to partially complete 2 activities of daily living.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Functional electrical stimulation is a feasible intervention for restoring arm and hand functions to individuals with high tetraplegia. Forces and movements were generated at the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder that allowed the performance of activities of daily living, with some limitations requiring the use of a mobile arm support to assist the stimulated shoulder forces.
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Electronic address: wdm@case.edu.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Memberg
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Katharine H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Polasek
authors.affiliation: Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Ronald L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bryden
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH; MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Kevin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Kilgore
authors.affiliation: MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Gregory A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Nemunaitis
authors.affiliation: MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Harry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Hoyen
authors.affiliation: MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Keith
authors.affiliation: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH; MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Kirsch
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Activities of daily living; Electric stimulation; Electrodes, implanted; Quadriplegia; Rehabilitation