A Simulation Platform Combining The Myokinetic Interface With The Ami Surgery For Prosthetic Control.

Abstract

Amputations of the upper and lower limbs can significantly impact psychological well-being and functional independence, limiting a person's ability to perform daily tasks. Artificial limbs aim to restore lost functionality by replicating the natural limb as closely as possible. To this aim, the ideal human-machine interface (HMI) should provide seamless connection with the natural sources of control and sensory feedback. Recent advances in surgical techniques and prosthetic technologies have enhanced residual limb functionality and enabled direct connections with peripheral neural pathways. This study introduces a simulation platform integrating the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) with a myokinetic interface based on implantable magnets, to generate synthetic data on muscle deformation and magnet displacement as potential control signals for an assistive device. A transtibial amputation was simulated, replicating the natural agonist-antagonist mechanical connection between paired muscles. The model simulated muscle contractions and magnet implantation, which displacement was tracked using a localization algorithm. Results demonstrated a combined contraction and stretching of the agonist and antagonist muscles and the feasibility of accurately tracking implanted magnets via external sensors. These findings suggest that combining the AMI with magnet implantation could contribute to more intuitive prosthetic control in the future. In this view, this simulation platform provides a valuable pre-operative planning tool to optimize magnet placement and enhance HMI performance for individual patients.