The world's first artificial leg capable of simulating the sensations of a real limb, even feeling pain, has been revealed by researchers at an Austrian university.

Residual foot nerve endings in a patient's stump were rewired in a procedure to healthy tissue in the thigh.

Sensors were then fitted to the sole of a lightweight prosthesis and linked to artificial stimulators connected to the stump.

Austrian amputee Wolfgang Rangger, who has worn the leg for six months, said the device has given him a new lease of life.

"I feel the foot for sure. Not quite 100 per cent at the moment but it gets better and better, and that's a very particular feeling," he said.

"When I step on a stone, I feel it, which hasn't been the case before.

"When I step on a piece of wood, I feel it. I'm constantly getting better at using it.

"I would never have imagined that this was possible. Basically, this is a second life for me."

Professor Hubert Egger from Linz University developed the procedure.

"The signals coming from the sensor are strengthened and then go through a micro control that creates stimulation signals," he said.

"These signals get through the skin and stimulate the rearranged nerves.

"That enables the person who wears the prosthesis to experience the real feeling of his leg prosthesis touching the ground."