Sweedish scientists have finally been able to creat a prosthetic arm/hand that feels what is is gripping.  The user can grip a water bottle without crushing it, pour themselves a drink and even turn a key in a lock using their prothesis.  Scientist also feel that this arm will help to aleviate phantom pain because it utilizes the nerves and cognitive centers from the missing limb to get the prosthetic to work.

http://austriantimes.at/image/9644/news/Around_the_World/2009-10-20/17386/Ro

Once again CS4A.org was an exhibitor at the Amputee Coalition America National Amputee Conference. I was pleasantly surprised to see the addition of an Upper Extremity Educational Track by Eric Westover. In fact, we were able to participate in one of the sessions and did a small presentation on how to tie you shoe one handed.

Last year’s 2007 Amputee Conference was a big success. The ACA has hired new people to run it and you could see their dedication and commitment to the event. There seemed to be more Upper Extremity Amputees in attendance and there were even a few clinics directed at them. I was unable to attend the clinics because they ran at the same time as the Expo was open and therefore I needed to be at the table. But it was nice to FINALLY see UEA getting some attention as well as LEA. It will be interesting to see what this year brings in terms of this trend.