Hand prostheses with somatosensory feedback: functional and clinical benefits

Abstract

The loss of a hand can disrupt body movements, perception of self and the surrounding world, and the emotional fabric of touch. Advances in neuroprosthetics now make restoration of tactile, proprioceptive, and thermal sensations feasible through interfaces with peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, or skin. These somatosensory neuroprostheses not only improve the manipulation of objects and motor learning after amputation, but can also reduce phantom limb pain and enhance embodiment of the artificial limb. The combination of multiple sensory channels—such as touch and temperature—can resemble a natural and emotionally resonant experience for prosthetic users, supporting both their agency and social connection. However, clinical translation remains insufficient. Progress will depend on accessible, cost-effective, and user-centred solutions that are validated through clinical trials. By restoring the sensory richness of the human hand, multimodal feedback can shift prosthetic care beyond mechanical replacement towards truly restoring the sense of self and connection that touch provides.