Bionic Reconstruction for the Nonfunctional, Painful Hand | The Journal of Hand Surgery

The treatment of a nonfunctional, painful upper limb has historically been challenging. Bionic reconstruction, a technique that employs nerve and muscle transfers following an elective amputation to successfully facilitate prosthetic integration, overcomes the difficulties of previous treatment approaches. The biggest advantages conferred by a bionic reconstruction allow functional return of the injured limb in addition to mitigation of chronic pain. We describe a technique for elective transradial amputation using an all-fish-mouth technique that unites targeted muscle reinnervation with regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces for improved outcomes. In the implementation of the bionic reconstructive approach, a preoperative and postoperative multidisciplinary treatment approach is critical to optimize outcomes. We have outlined a novel comprehensive care protocol, including surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and mental health treatment, to confer the success of the bionic technique.

Read the entire article at The Journal of Hand Surgery.