This is one of the most important discoveries and inventions made in the last years for people with physical disabilities, for people with missing fingers, because of an accident, or a genetic malformation.  Is a huge step for them to become more independent, to be able to do normal activities, to allowing them to work in different fields where they can earn money. Those fitted with the device can bend, touch, pick up and point, simple actions which can be impossible with absent fingers and thumbs. They can also write and grip thanks to a special sensor that allows the fingers to detect when they have closed around an object.

Population with amputations is estimated at around 52,000 in the EU and 1.2 million worldwide. The ProDigits prosthetics are tailor-made for each patient and cost around £35,000 to £45,000, which includes the cost of fitting, occupational therapy and the skin covering. Most of those using them at the moment are privately funded but the company said it hoped to look at working with the National Health Service in the future, said Phil Newman, marketing director of Touch Bionics.

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via telegraph.co.uk