Bionic hand that 'feels' moves closer to reality in small trial
NCT ID NCT03432325
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a surgically implanted bionic hand system for people who have lost an arm below the elbow. The device aims to connect directly to nerves so users can control it more naturally and even feel sensations. Fifteen participants will be followed to see if the system is safe and works as intended.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Neural-enabled prosthetic hand (implanted device)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide amputees with a more natural-feeling prosthetic hand that responds to nerve signals and restores some sensation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early feasibility study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply widely. There are risks from surgery and device complications.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Dec 2017
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Unilateral transradial amputation 2. Amputation occurred 9 months ago or more 3. Functional hand contralateral to the amputation 4. Ability and willingness to use myoelectric arm (as determined by prosthetist) 5. 18 years of age or older 6. Ability to obtain transportation to the research site and the clinicians' offices 7. U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident 8. Signed the Informed Consent Form Exclusion Criteria: 1. Absence of limb due to birth defect 2. Evidence of denervation of the residual limb 3. Phantom limb pain that is severe enough to impair or restrict activity 4. Any neurological condition affecting motor and/or sensory function that would interfere with use of the intact hand or residual limb (as determined by neurologist) 5. Visual impairment that would affect hand usage during experimental procedures 6. History of chronic infections 7. History of recurring ulcers or blisters on the residual limb 8. Evidence of an active infection, non-healed ulcer, recent history of a healed ulcer (\< 3 months) 9. Use of another implanted electrical device (such as a pacemaker or nerve stimulator) 10. Undergoing diathermy therapy of the residual limb 11. History of non-compliance with medical or research procedures or any condition that would limit their ability to comply with study related procedures (self-reported) 12. Self-reported emotional or psychological disorders or history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction 13. Memory disorders or significant cognitive impairment (self-reported and/or clinical observation during consent and screening procedures) 14. Moderate to severe chronic pain 15. Pregnant or nursing 16. Self-reported sensitivity to material derived from porcine source 17. Enrolled in another investigational research study 18. Any medical or psychiatric condition not otherwise specified (such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, active infection, and serious metabolic disorders) that would expose the subject to unacceptable risk and/or limit their ability to perceive meaningful sensation from stimulation of the peripheral nerves of the residual limb.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701, United States
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Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20889-0001, United States
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