Bionic Hand Merges With User’s Nervous and Skeletal Systems

Karin, who lost her right arm in a farming accident over 20 years ago, has experienced significant relief from phantom limb pain and improved functionality with groundbreaking bionic technology. This technology involves a human-machine interface that allows a prosthesis to be comfortably attached to the user’s skeleton via osseointegration and enables electrical connection with the nervous system through implanted electrodes.

Karin was the first to receive a highly integrated bionic hand that she can use reliably in daily life, leading to reduced pain and less medication use. This innovative approach combines surgical and engineering techniques, improving amputee care. The research project, funded by the European Commission and known as DeTOP, brought together multiple institutions and companies to create this life-changing bionic technology. The project also emphasized the importance of customizable and aesthetically pleasing prostheses for user acceptance and pride.