https://openbionics.com/3d-printed-prosthetic-limbs-progress-in-prosthetics-challenges-in-access/
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At our Austin prosthetic clinic, upper limb specialist Travis Heins has seen firsthand how 3D printing can elevate the experience of receiving a prosthetic arm from a drawn-out series of appointments into a streamlined, more predictable process. Instead of multiple rounds of casting, adjustments and travel to and from the clinic, Travis uses digital models and printed test sockets to refine his patient’s fit in a fraction of the time. For families who often drive hours to reach a preferred clinic or rearrange work schedules for each appointment, these efficiencies matter.
“I print two test sockets from the same digital model, one based on conservative measurements and another designed for a more experimental fit,” he said. “Sometimes we end up going with the more aggressive modified one.”
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My wife had to endure the old process … …
… … (I’d say God’s replacement wife because the Universe knows how much I need help. And, it sounds disrespectful to say “second wife” and hurtful to refer to my sainted “first” wife as anything but the best thing that ever happened to me in my college days. But enough distraction.) … …
… … and the insurance company paid 60k$ and we had innumerable appointments for fittings. And the end result sucked. It was hard to get on and almost impossible for the two of us to get it off.
AND most disturbing to her was that is looked like a man’s arm.
FMPOV the lack of an “elbow” was a terrible disaster.
Maybe the new stuff will be better.
BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), not in our lifetime.
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Posted by reinkefj 
Reinke Faces Life 