Satisfaction with and usage of a hand neuroprosthesis

Objective: To measure the satisfaction with, clinical impact of, and use of an implantable hand neuroprosthesis. Setting: Eight different medical centers. Participants: Thirty-four individuals with spinal cord injuries at the C5 or C6 motor level. Interventions: Participants were implemented with a hand neuroprosthesis that provides grasp and release. The neuroprosthesis includes a surgically implanted stimulator, implanted electrodes sutured to the hand and forearm muscles, and an externally mounted controller. Main Outcome Measure: A survey was mailed to study participants, who were asked to respond to statements such as “If I had it to do over, I would have the hand system implanted again,” using a 5-level Likert scale (“strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”). Results: Eighty-seven percent of participants were very satisfied with the neuroprosthesis, 88% reported a positive impact on their life, 87% reported improvements in activities of daily living, and 81% reported improved independence. Participants reported using the neuroprosthesis a median of 5.5 days per week; 15 participants used the neuroprosthesis 7 days per week, and 5 participants reported not using the device. Conclusions: The neuroprosthesis was used by most participants. The neuroprosthesis performed satisfactorily, increased users' ability to perform activities of daily living and independence, and improved their quality of life.