“Patients who lose an entire palm or a hand were still able to get silicon based prosthesis,” said Dr. Mukesh Doshi, a prosthetics and orthotics specialist and owner of POCL Medical Solutions. “However, for those with partial amputation of fingers or amputations ahead of the joint, there were no options available. I was looking for a patient who would be ready to work with us in an experiment to create such a prosthesis.”
“The process worked in four parts: scanning the POP cast, modifying the prosthesis (in this case: Flexy hand 2) based on the scan of the patient using exact measurements, 3D printing of the parts and then assembling of the same,” said Firoza Kothari, head of Anatomiz3D Healthcare. “While the entire process was supposed to be feasible, it actually didn’t work out well the first time.”
“With practice he will be able to hold, throw, write and do all kinds of light work using the hand,” said Dr. Doshi. “The design is actually so simple that it works on strings which are attached to the wrist, as he moves the wrists; he will even be able to close his fingers into a fist.”
Just a few days ago, Ohja was able to pick up a pen for the first time since the accident. He has returned to work, and while he has only been doing light work so far, he says that he will be taking on more soon. He is very pleased with his new hand, calling it a “wonderful experiment.” Meanwhile, Anatomiz3D has officially added prosthetics as one of their standard services. After successfully taking on such a challenging case in just their first attempt at a prosthetic device, it certainly won’t be their last. Do you know someone who could benefit from such a device? Discuss in the 3D Printed Hand Prosthetic forum over at 3DPB.com.