02/19/2026
If your hand is painful, weak, and no longer working the way it should, it can start to feel like you’re running out of options.
Dr. Ajul Shah explains bionic hand reconstruction and who it may be for. After severe trauma or nerve injuries, such as a brachial plexus injury, some patients are left with a hand that can’t move, can’t grip, and remains a constant source of pain even after surgeries, therapy, or medication.
Bionic reconstruction is a carefully planned approach that replaces a nonfunctional, painful hand with an advanced prosthetic, while also using nerve-based reconstruction to help address chronic pain. For many patients, it isn’t a setback, it’s a step toward getting function back when traditional reconstruction can no longer deliver it.
A key part of the process involves “rewiring” nerves so the prosthetic can be controlled in a more natural, intuitive way. This can help patients return to everyday tasks like typing, picking up small objects, or handling simple routines that most people don’t think twice about.
It’s a major decision and not right for everyone, which is why it’s guided by a multidisciplinary team to make sure it’s truly the best fit for the patient’s life and goals.
