Fitting Below‐Elbow Prostheses Which Convey a Sense of Touch

A myoelectrically controlled electric hand has been modified so that the gripping force between thumb and index finger may be measured. The measurement is used to control a sensory feedback device applied to the surface of the skin within the socket of the prosthesis informing the wearer of the strength of grip exerted. Two people have been fitted with this prosthesis and they report that the sensory feedback gives them reassurance when using the arm. To date there has not been any noticeable adverse tissue reponse from the applied sensory stimulus.