Woman’s Bionic Arm Seamlessly Integrated with Bones and Nervous System

Karin’s life changed forever when she lost her right arm in a farming accident two decades ago. Despite being fitted with a prosthetic limb, she struggled with the discomfort and excruciating phantom limb pain.

But recently, Karin was given the opportunity to receive a groundbreaking bionic hand that seamlessly integrates with her body. This innovative device, developed by an international team of scientists, surgeons, and engineers, is directly attached to her skeleton and connected to her nerves and muscles through implanted electrodes.

Thanks to this neuromusculoskeletal implant, Karin can now control her prosthetic hand with her mind, allowing her to perform everyday tasks and even move her fingers with ease.

A woman with a bionic prosthetic hand using a screw driver.

Since receiving the bionic hand, Karin has regained control over 80 percent of her daily tasks and, most importantly, experienced a significant reduction in pain. She now relies less on medication to manage her discomfort.

“This research has given me a better life,” Karin shared gratefully.

The success of this project has delighted the researchers involved. One of the major challenges they faced was integrating the artificial hand with the natural bone, which they achieved through a process called osseointegration.

By utilizing the strength and biocompatibility of titanium, the team was able to create a sturdy mechanical connection between the bionic hand and the forearm bones. This breakthrough has paved the way for individuals like Karin to benefit from highly integrated prosthetics.

“Karin was the first person with below-elbow amputation to receive this highly integrated bionic hand. Her ability to comfortably and effectively use the prosthesis in her daily life is a promising testament to the life-changing potential of this technology,” explained Professor Max Ortiz Catalan, the lead researcher behind the project.

Karin is one of three patients enrolled in the DeTOP project, which is funded by the EU Commission. The researchers hope that in the future, this advanced prosthetic technology will be accessible to anyone who needs it.

“By combining osseointegration with reconstructive surgery, implanted electrodes, and artificial intelligence, we can revolutionize human function. This achievement in advanced extremity reconstructions is a significant milestone,” commented Professor Rickard Brånemark, a research affiliate at MIT and CEO of Integrum.

The study detailing this groundbreaking technology has been published in the journal Science Robotics.