The use of a bone-anchored device as a hard-wired conduit for transmitting EMG signals from implanted muscle electrodes

The use of a bone-anchored device to transmit electrical signals from internalized muscle electrodes was studied in a sheep model. The bone-anchored device was used as a conduit for the passage of a wire connecting an internal epimysial electrode to an external signal-recording device. The bone-anchored device was inserted into an intact tibia and the electrode attached to the adjacent M. peroneus tertius. "Physiological" signals with low signal-to-noise ratios were successfully obtained over a 12-week period by walking the sheep on a treadmill. Reliable transmission of multiple muscle signals across the skin barrier is essential for providing intuitive, biomimetic upper limb prostheses. This technology has the potential to provide a better functional and reliable solution for upper limb amputee rehabilitation: attachment and control.