TMR versus RPNI: The Great Debate Thursday, October 19 Thu, Oct 19

TMR (Targeted Muscle Reinnervation) and RPNI (Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface) are both surgical techniques used in reconstructive surgery, particularly in the context of prosthetic limb control and sensory feedback. While they share some similarities in their goals, they differ in their approaches and mechanisms. TMR is a surgical procedure used to improve the control of upper limb prostheses. RPNI surgery is performed in patients undergoing limb amputation or in patients with painful neuromas after nerve injury.

TMR focuses on improving motor function and control of prosthetic limbs by rerouting nerves to specific muscle groups while RPNI aims to restore sensory feedback by connecting nerves to sensory receptors or sensory nerves, allowing amputees to perceive sensations through their prosthetic limbs. Both techniques contribute to enhancing the functionality and integration of prosthetic limbs into the patient's daily life.

At the end of this activity, participants will be able to:

1) Describe the primary surgical objectives of both TMR and RPNI. 2) Describe the typical impact on muscle activation and sensory feedback from these procedures. 3) Describe the typical applications of both procedures.