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Students create 3D printed arm for boy

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2017-04-07 16:38

About the solution

Although Caleb was offered a basic prosthetic arm from the National Healthcare System when he was seven, and had learned how to get by without his right hand.

Caleb’s mother, Lynsey, was informed that a fully bionic arm would cost more than £30,000. It was too expensive, so the mother started searching online for another solutions. While searching, she found a group of students from USA who had already made a 3D printing hand for a girl in the USA, using their printer.

Lynsey contacted them, and asked them if they would created a 3D printing prosthetic arm for her son. They accepted the challenge, and had help from their teacher, Joy Schwartz. After six months of work, the product was ready.

“I learned to do a lot of things before but I’d like to be able to ride a quad bike in the future and I think I’ll be able to. I was self-conscious about my arm before. But I don’t mind showing people the prosthesis”.

The model the teacher and the students made for the boy is called an Unlimbited Arm with a Raptor Reloaded hand. It took about 15 to 20 hours to print the plastic components and a week to assemble, and cost about £40.

“It’s still early days but he’ll be able to discover for himself now what he can do. Before, myself or my husband would do things like cut up meat and Caleb would sometimes turn to me for help. Now he’ll have the confidence to be more independent and do things by himself.”

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2oatbUm

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Eastin Kent, Kaleb Sparks, and Jordan Jones - A group of robotics and computer science students at West Brook High School, in Texas, USA - 3D printed a hand and arm for Caleb Morrison, a boy from Scotland, born in 2001, with his right wrist and hand missing. Caleb wanted to be more independent, and be able to grab objects.

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