Lothian scientists unveil world's first bionic fingers

Published on Tuesday 8 December 2009 08:52

SCIENTISTS today unveiled what they claim are the world's first bionic fingers..

The motor-powered ProDigits have been developed by West Lothian-based Touch Bionics, the company which invented the bionic i-Limb hand.

The invention can help people with up to five missing digits on a hand, whether from birth or because of an injury.

Those fitted with the device can bend, touch, pick up and point.

Developers hope the device will be a boost to the estimated 52,000 partial-hand amputees in the EU and around 1.2 million people worldwide.

Phil Newman, of Livingston-based Touch Bionics said: "The ProDigits provide a powered device with a grip and it has returned these people to a level of functionality and independence. "It is supporting a community that has never had support before."

It is estimated that a two-finger amputation leaves an individual with a 20-40 per cent hand impairment, depending on which fingers are affected.

The custom-made ProDigits can be controlled by sensors which register muscle signals from the residual finger or palm. Alternatively, they can be controlled by a pressure-sensitive touch pad.

A special stall feature allows the device to detect when it has closed around an object to prevent crushing.

This also allows users to point single digits and configure the hand in various grip patterns.

One of those fitted with ProDigits is former concert pianist, Maria Antonia Iglesias, from Catalonia, who underwent amputation of all extremities after she suffered septic shock in July 2003.

The device has enabled her to write, hold cutlery and drink from a glass again, tasks she previously struggled to do.

The 42-year-old said: "I am very pleased to be part of this project and the benefits my new hand is giving me are like a dream.

"Even a simple thing like holding and lifting a glass of water to drink from was impossible before, but with ProDigits I can do it easily."

The ProDigits prosthetics are tailor-made for each patient and cost around 35,000 to 45,000, which includes the cost of fitting, occupational therapy and the skin covering.

Most of those using them at the moment are privately funded but the company said it hoped to look at working with the national health service in the future.

Stuart Mead, chief executive of Touch Bionics, said: "With ProDigits, our goal is to provide all that we can to reinstate a patient's function and interaction with other people in their chosen lifestyle and career."