Sensory feedback for artificial limbs

Over the years various approaches have been made to help solve the problem of replacing mechanical function of a lost limb, but there has been little direct interest in the associated problem of replacing the sensory function also lost in the amputation. Psychological rejection of electrically powered hands (despite their good cosmesis) suggests that greater attention should be given to the provision of sensory feedback on artificial limbs. Myoelectrically controlled electric hands fitted with a sense of touch have been fitted to two patients and in a nine month trial period they reported favourably on these fittings. There has not been any adverse skin reaction to the application of the electrical feedback stimulus and the patients say that because of the feedback they have an increased level of confidence in using the prosthesis.