Singaporean Student Gets 3D Printed Finger Following Bike Accident

Russel Ko, an engineering student at the Republic Polytechnic College in Woodlands, Singapore, sustained a severe injury after crashing his friend’s motorcycle in October last year. Upon impact, Mr Ko’s left hand got trapped in the wheel, severing both his pinky and ring fingers. Doctors at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), where Mr Ko was treated following the accident, attempted to reattach the fingers retrieved by his friend but could only save the one ring finger. Thankfully, Mr Ko qualified for a pilot study provided by the hospital on functional finger prosthetics made using 3D printing. The project was part of a media display of the hospital’s Medical 3D Printing Center’s capabilities.

In the US alone, roughly 45,000 finger amputations occur yearly from traffic and industrial-related accidents. Dr. Bernice Heng, who works with TTSH’s hand and reconstructive microsurgery department, says their hospital alone receives at least 20-30 patients a year with finger amputations. In the traditional treatment method, patients are typically given the option of a cosmetic finger prosthesis, which imitates a real finger but is not functional. However, the Medical 3D printing Center’s 3D printed version has movable joints, allowing the patient to perform with near normal function. In addition to customization and flexibility, 3D printed prosthetics are a cost-effective option.

A cheaper 3D printed finger prosthesis alternative (Photo credits: Kevin Lim)

In this case, a cosmetic prosthesis costs several thousand more than its 3D printed counterpart, which can be made for only a few hundred dollars. Dr. Heng describes the 3D printed finger prosthesis as “lightweight and functional“, with patients taking to them better than larger, myoelectric prostheses, which use muscle activity to power movement and are generally not well-liked by patients. Mr. Ko looks forward to his custom-tailored prosthetic, which the center is currently developing. “I am definitely looking forward to receiving my pinky. There are some difficulties in daily activities like opening a bottle… or carrying heavy stuff. As an engineering student, I also have to use some tools to do work. Without the pinky, my hand is less stable,” he said.