LOC14:51
11:51 GMT
LONDON, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- British Scientists Tuesday unveiled what they claim
are the world's first bionic fingers which they hope will transform the lives
of people with missing digits, it was announced here. The motor-powered
"ProDigits" have been developed by Touch Bionics, the company which invented
the bionic i-Limb hand, doctors said.
The new invention can help people with up to five missing digits on a hand,
whether from birth or because of an injury or medical condition.
Those fitted with the device can bend, touch, pick up and point, simple
actions which can be difficult with absent fingers and thumbs.
Developers hope the device will be a boost to the partial hand amputee
population, which is estimated at around 52,000 in the EU and 1.2 million
worldwide.
The ProDigits provide a powered device with a grip and it has returned
these people to a level of functionality and independence, the doctors added.
The ProDigits prosthetics are tailor-made for each patient and cost around
35,000 pounds to 45,000 pounds, which includes the cost of fitting,
occupational therapy and the skin covering. (end)
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