I began in earnest trying to learn as much as I could about prosthetic devices once I knew that my left hand would undergo amputation. As I researched what was available to consumers I quickly felt frustration and disappointment. Most prosthetic devices seemed very practical and functional and quite unrealistic. I soon came to terms with the fact that a functional but bulky, claw-like device awaited me.
One day in my online searching I came across a BBC mini-documentary about a gentleman in the UK who was fitted for this product called the i-Limb. I watched that video many times over in sheer amazement. I soon learned that a UK based company called Touch Bionics had developed this functional yet life-like electrically powered prosthetic hand. Simply put, it was the first hand I saw that seemed to provide accurate finger and hand movement while looking like a real human hand.
As I have learned in my ongoing discussions with Touch Bionics and my prosthetist the i-Limb device is the first generation commercial product of its kind and does have some limitations, but the future development of this device is promising and ongoing. To learn more check out the links below…
Site Link: www.touchbionics.com
Video Link: http://www.teebster.co.uk/hand.htm
