Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Faculty Profiles
Todd A Kuiken, MD, PhD

Todd A Kuiken, MD, PhD

Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McCormick School of Engineering and Surgery

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Focus of Work

Bio

Dr Kuiken’s research group is working developing bionic technologies to improve the function of artificial limbs for people with very proximal amputations. The main research focus of the lab is developing a technique using nerve transfers to improve of myoelectric prosthesis control called ‘targeted reinnervation’. By transferring the residual arm nerves in an upper limb amputee to spare regions of muscle it is possible to make new signals for the control of robotic arms. This allows simultane...[Read full text]Dr Kuiken’s research group is working developing bionic technologies to improve the function of artificial limbs for people with very proximal amputations. The main research focus of the lab is developing a technique using nerve transfers to improve of myoelectric prosthesis control called ‘targeted reinnervation’. By transferring the residual arm nerves in an upper limb amputee to spare regions of muscle it is possible to make new signals for the control of robotic arms. This allows simultaneous control of multiple joints in a natural way. The procedure has been very successful in patients with increases in speed of 50- 500%. Similarly, hand sensation nerves can be directed to reinnervate spare skin in or near the residual limb so that when this skin is touched, the amputee feels like their missing hand is being touched including light touch, graded pressure hot/cold, sharp/dull and vibration. This is an exciting pathway to producing true sensory feedback to amputees from their prosthesis.[Shorten text]

Keywords

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AmputationNeuroscienceRehabilitation/TherapyBioengineeringBiophysics

Education and Certification

  • MD, PhD: Northwestern University, Biomedical Engineering (1990)
  • Internship: Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Evanston Northwestern Healthcare) (1991)
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (1992)
  • Residency: Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1995)
  • Board Certification: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Contact

312-238-8072

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab 11th floor, Rm 1414
355 E Erie
Chicago IL 60611

Links

Institutes and Centers