Londoner Becomes the First to Receive 3D Printed, Functional Hand

The landscape of prosthetics has been rapidly evolving, seeing many technological advancements since its collaboration with 3D printing. Against this backdrop, a hand amputee from London has recently become the first individual to benefit from Open Bionic’s cutting-edge 3D printed hand, 30 years post-amputation. Thus marking a significant stride forward in the UK’s prosthetics scene.

Suleman Chohan, a 50-year-old teacher from east London, endured the limitations of two-handed activities for years following a traumatic amputation of his right hand roughly 30 years ago. In an era where the UK’s prosthetic industry was significantly less advanced, Chohan faced rudimentary and often non-functional options, leading to severely restricted solutions for individuals in his situation. Initially provided with a bulky latex hand from the National Health Service (NHS), Chohan found the prosthetic too uncomfortable to wear and greatly lacking practical functionality.

Once a difficult task, the Hero Gauntlet allows Suleman Chohan to easily carry groceries.

However, a recent prototype labeled the Hero Gauntlet has emerged as a game-changer in Chohan’s life. Developed using cutting-edge 3D scanning, modeling, and printing technologies, this custom-made partial hand prosthetic significantly improves over earlier options. Empowered by the Hero Gauntlet, Chohan now enjoys complete mobility of his 3D printed fingers, allowing him to engage in beloved activities such as mountain biking and video gaming. Moreover, the prosthetic has enabled Chohan to navigate everyday tasks more easily, like using his phone and preparing ingredients for cooking.