600-Year-Old Metal Hand Prosthesis Unearthed in Germany, Provides Insight on Ancient Method of Handling Disability

Archeologists in Germany are investigating the centuries-old skeleton of a man complete with a metal prosthetic hand to replace four missing fingers.

Medieval Prosthetics

Pipeline workers discovered the remains in a grave near the St. George parish church in Freising, a Bavarian town outside of Munich. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the man who owned the prosthesis was between 30 and 50 years old and died between 1450 and 1620.

The metal prosthetic hand was detached from the skeleton to be restored and analyzed. Unlike the other more complex prostheses discovered from the same period, the fingers of Freising's skeleton were simple and did not have any mechanical components. The prosthetic hand was also made from iron and non-ferrous metal.

As described by Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation deputy of the general conservator Walter Irlinger, the prosthetic fingers lie slightly curved, parallel to one another. The index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers are individually made of sheet metal and are immobile. A thumb bone was still cemented to the prosthetic metal, showing that the patient could still keep this finger.

Initial scans also revealed that the device had scraps of fabric and leather stuck to its metal fingers, suggesting that the fingers once had a leather cover and were tied to the hands using straps. A gauze-like material was also found inside the fingers, which could have functioned as a cushion to protect the skin from contact with the metal.

How the man lost his hand and used the device is still unclear. The skeleton dates to a period when frequent military activity occurred in the area, which likely increased the demand for amputations. One of the most famous amputees from that period was Götz von Berlichingen (Götz of the Iron Hand), a German knight who lost his right hand from a cannon injury at the battle of Landshut in 1504.

Insights Into Medical History

Physicians at that time were already thinking about how they could make life easier for amputees. In central Europe alone, there are 50 similar prostheses discovered from the late Middle Ages to early modern age.

The discovery of the metal hand prosthetics provides insight into the history of medicine and medical technology during the Middle Ages. It offers clues on how people in the past dealt with physical abilities to enhance their quality of life. Additionally, it reflects the skill and creativity of the artisans of the time in designing and producing functional prosthetic devices.

Prosthetic technology has come a long way in the past few centuries. In modern times, prosthetics include 3D printing, digital design tools, and other features. Instead of wood or heavy metals, experts have learned to use lightweight materials like aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and titanium.

Nowadays, advanced prosthetic limbs can be operated through electrical signals sent from the brain to the muscles. There are also implants placed in the sensory system for controlling nerve action instead of devices attached to the body by straps.