Hand Transplants - Bionic Hand Improvements

David Gow set another milestone in hand transplants with his latest refinements to his bionic hand design - Now the fingers bend just like on a real hand. (David Gow is the same person mentioned in my "Hand Transplant Options" article of November 2000.)

BBC News: Milestone for unique bionic hand

The thumb and fingers can move and grip just like a human hand and are controlled by the patient's mind and muscles.

It was invented by David Gow and was designed and built by Touch Bionics, which is based in Livingston.

The technology has been tested by a number of people, including US soldiers who lost limbs in the Iraq war.

Mr Gow, who is the director of rehabilitation engineering services at NHS Lothian, told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "It's the first hand to come to the market that's actually had bending fingers just like your own hand."

It is hoped that this bionic hand design will be available on the health service within 2-5 years.