An artificial leg which can feel and reduce pain
- 9 years ago
Every step which Wolfgang Rangger takes with his artificial leg is sending information to his brain. There is a hardly a hint of a limp in the Austrian’s walk and having the leg fitted has not prevented him pursuing many of his hobbies.
That’s because the artificial limb is fitted with small sensors on the foot which are in constant contact with the wearers brain transmitting sensitive information. It is the first such prosthesis in the world. The 54-year-old has spent the last six months testing his new leg.
“With the leg I can feel now if it is a graveled road or if it is paved. Or in winter, and that’s important, if the road is icy or slippery. I can react to it and so don’t slip or fall down,” said Wolfgang Rangger.
Remarkably It has helped eradicate the excruciating pain which he had experienced since his leg was amputated.
The innovation is the result of a two-fold process, developed by Professor Huber Egger at the University of Linz in Austria.
Surgeons first rewired
That’s because the artificial limb is fitted with small sensors on the foot which are in constant contact with the wearers brain transmitting sensitive information. It is the first such prosthesis in the world. The 54-year-old has spent the last six months testing his new leg.
“With the leg I can feel now if it is a graveled road or if it is paved. Or in winter, and that’s important, if the road is icy or slippery. I can react to it and so don’t slip or fall down,” said Wolfgang Rangger.
Remarkably It has helped eradicate the excruciating pain which he had experienced since his leg was amputated.
The innovation is the result of a two-fold process, developed by Professor Huber Egger at the University of Linz in Austria.
Surgeons first rewired