Press release - Benelux first : first 3D printed bionic arm delivered
In Genk, Spronken Orthopedie has delivered the first fully 3D printed bionic arm. A first for the Benelux.
"For the first time in 27 years I can play decent billiards again, thanks to this prosthesis", Roger Fincken, who lost his right hand in a motorcycle accident, shines.
He still has to get used to it, but Ophoven resident Roger (50) has been walking around with a piece of cutting-edge technology on his arm since last week. Last week he was the first person in the Benelux to receive the "Hero Arm" from the British company Open Bionics, which in our country works exclusively with Spronken Orthopedie in Genk.
Motorcycle accident
Roger lost his right hand in a serious motorcycle accident in 1996. "I spent months in the hospital and had several major operations, including back surgery. My right hand, unfortunately, the doctors could no longer save it." Roger has learned to live with his disability, but with the "Hero Arm," another whole new world opens up for him. "My previous prosthesis weighed half a kilo more. It didn't let any air through. When I was trimming the hedge in the summer, the socket just slipped off my arm because of all the sweating. It was also much less comfortable to wear. The hard plastic pressed against my stump causing me wounds. At the end, I barely wore that prosthesis anymore because it fitted so badly."
With this prosthesis I can play billiards decently again for the first time in 27 years. Driving a car is also perfect. I already can't live without it.
In Belgium, patients like Roger qualify for a new model every four years. "When I was presented with a lighter, 3D-printed model at Spronken, I did not hesitate" says Roger Fincken.
Cutting-edge custom technology
Except for the robot-controlled hand, everything about this prosthesis is 3D printed. Whereas a classic prosthesis consists of one piece of cast composite, the Hero Arm is built up layer by layer with a 3D printer. So you get a light and breathable skeleton out of plastic that is incredibly durable."
Tom Daniëls explains : "We first took the size of Roger's arm and stump with test tubes here at our Amputee Care Center in Genk and tested where the electrodes that control the mechanical hand should be. That data was then forwarded to Open Bionics, they print our prosthetics in the United Kingdom."
At the end of December, the bionic arm was delivered. The first in the Benelux. "The hand itself I control with the remaining muscles in my forearm, just like my previous prosthesis," Roger explains. "But especially the socket is much more comfortable. With a button, I can control how tight the prosthesis is. This makes me less likely to get wounds. A whole new world has opened up for me. With this prosthesis I can play billiards properly again for the first time in 27 years. Driving a car is also perfect. I already can't live without it." The price tag of the attachment runs into ten of thousands of euros, but this model is not more expensive than a classic prosthesis.
Spronken and Open Bionics offer a whole palette of colors to choose from. Only 500 people worldwide are still walking around with a Hero Arm. Nice bonus: patients can even choose the design of the cover. "The Hero Arm is printed in black plastic, but the patient gets a number of covers that they can clip onto the tube," Tom explains. "Roger cho-ose a white model, but we offer a whole range. Thanks to our partnership with Marvel, you can even choose Iron Man's arm."
The number of Hero Arm prosthesis wearers is growing rapidly. Still, Daniëls doesn't think the "Hero Arm" will soon displace the classic prosthesis everywhere. "The advantages of the Hero Arm in terms of wearing comfort are impressive, but a 3D printed arm with cover has a striking, futuristic appearance. A classic arm prosthesis is less eye-catching. Some people will prefer that. The patient always has the last word. "
Amputee Care Center (ACC) in Genk and Brussels
Roger received his prosthesis at Spronken's brand new Amputee Care Center in Genk, which opened its doors as recently as February of this year. A second center opened 2 months ago in the prestigious Glaverbel building in Brussels. Based on years of experience as a prosthetist, Spronken will also work there in a multidisciplinary collaboration with surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, general practitioners , nurses but also nutritionists and sports coaches. The unique care pathway offered by the ACC looks at the person as a whole, provides multidisciplinary care tailored to his or her needs, offers access to the latest innovative techniques and works with a scientifically based approach in order to achieve the best end result for the prosthesis wearer, both the newly amputated patient and the existing prosthesis wearer.
Spronken believes that this total care for prosthesis wearers can break barriers, push boundaries, fuel change and contribute to creating an equal future for amputee patients.
Specializing in Second Opinions
In addition to customized care for new amputees, prosthesis users from home and abroad visit the Amputee Care Center for a second care opinion, to optimize their prosthesis or have a new prosthesis fitted. "We specialize in high-tech and innovative devices combined with the latest digital measuring equipment with a motion lab. This allows us to offer the ideal solution for every prosthesis wearer."
Walking again in 7 weeks after amputation
The prosthetists at the ACC start patient counselling even before surgery. They assist the surgical and nursing team with care in the hospital and at home. Once the stump is healed, a complete prosthesis can be quickly fitted and made at the Amputee Care Center, thanks to the specialized prosthetic workshop annex . Then the rehabilitation process begins together with the patient's rehabilitation doctor and physiotherapist. Most people with a leg amputation walk completely independently after 7 weeks.
New leg prosthesis in one day
Fitting and making a complete leg prosthesis in one day, in 1 visit, it is possible at the ACC! A smooth, well-coordinated service, attracts an international clientele.
Innovative high-tech prostheses
The ACC makes prostheses for young and old, for people with diabetes to Olympic athletes. Spronken invested in a 3D printing lab to make innovative custom arm and leg prostheses. For the latest technology in bionic feet and hands, they partner with local and international manufacturers of high-tech prosthetic parts.
Press Contact
You are welcome, by appointment.
Press Contact: Nadia.Kaczanowski@spronken.com
Address: Transportlaan 9, 3600 GENK
Info ACC: www.amputeecarecenter.com
Info Spronken: www.spronken.com
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