# Simulating Tendon Reconstructive Surgeries using a Virtual Hand Model and Robotic Testbed

> **NIH NIH R21** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2020 · $134,200

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
 Often, the complex mechanisms of the hand are damaged either by trauma or neurological disorder. In
this event, surgical intervention is necessary to restore or partially restore normal hand function. Current surgical
intervention is based on years of prior trial and error outcomes. Currently there is not a tool for surgeons to
predict the outcomes of new techniques. The long-term objective of this project is to advance tendon
reconstructive surgery, by providing a new way to predict the surgical outcomes using a virtual model for
surgeons to examine the outcomes of surgery like range of motion and strength of grip. A physical robotic
representation of the hand tendon system would also be useful for providing a way to perform the surgery without
stepping into the operating room.
 This proposal seeks to take the first step towards the broader project objective, by examining the
feasibility of using a virtual model and a robotic testbed to simulate two specific tendon surgeries. The first
surgery will be the flexor tendon repair surgery that seeks to reconnect severed flexor tendons. Often during this
surgery, the tendon will be shortened. This shortening can lead to different results depending on the length
shortened. This study will seek to replicate these effects both virtually and robotically. The second surgery will
be the FDS Opponensplasty tendon transfer. This surgery seeks to restore the opposition function of the thumb
by donating a tendon from the FDS tendon from one finger and rerouting it in the palm to connect to the thumb.
This surgery has many variables and many different methods. Successfully simulating these surgeries will
demonstrate the virtual model and robotic testbeds utility for future unexplored surgical techniques.
The specific aims of this proposal are:
1. Expand robotic testbed and virtual model to include thumb tendon system.
2. Simulate reconstructive tendon surgeries using the robotic and virtual digits
3. Simulate reconstructive tendon surgeries using cadavers and virtual digits.
 Using the PI’s current virtual model framework and robotic testbed as starting points, a thumb will be
added to both model and tested. Using the new two digit model and testbed each of the surgeries will be
simulated to demonstrate their accuracy at mimicking the outcomes of reconstructive tendon surgeries. A robotic
testbed will promote rigorous and repeatable results. The model will also be compared to cadaver simulation of
the surgery to demonstrate the model’s translation to true biological systems. The use of a cadaver while being
more anatomically correct, will deteriorate and change over the time of experimentation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9968082
- **Project number:** 5R21AR076269-02
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen Mascaro
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $134,200
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9968082

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9968082, Simulating Tendon Reconstructive Surgeries using a Virtual Hand Model and Robotic Testbed (5R21AR076269-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9968082. Licensed CC0.

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