German woman has life transformed by new bionic arm

The UK-based Open Bionics arm is covered by state health insurance due to 3D printing's cost.

This breakthrough improves dexterity and delicate motions with muscle-amplifying sensors. 

Dominika Frycz, the recipient, conveyed her delight and newfound talents, emphasising the necessity of cutting meals and walking her dog. 

This development transforms the lives of people with limb differences.

She said, “It's crazy! It feels like I have never had anything missing. Also, in general, to be able to work with both hands, I could never imagine it. I couldn't even imagine it when I saw other people doing it. And it's quite overwhelming now. Amazing!”

Born without a left arm, the 25-year-old has struggled with older prosthetics. She says they are clunkier, and limited in functionality.

“There are situations where I sit down with my work colleagues to have breakfast, and I can't do something as simple as preparing a sandwich myself with the prosthetic because the bread keeps slipping away,” she continued.

“I just want to be like everyone else. I'd like to just take the fork in my hand and the knife in my other hand and be able to cut my schnitzel. These are such simple things, but they are missing in everyday life.”

It aims to give people like Dominika better dexterity.

She can carry out intricate movements, which the company says is thanks to sensors that detect underlying muscular contractions and amplify them to create hand gestures.

Open Bionics’ Managing Director in Western Europe, Berting Guelluebag says there are other advantages, too.

“Because we make them in 3D printing, we are able to save a lot of weight. You have to imagine that there is about 30 to 40% less weight for the patient in the prosthetic than with classical systems. And in addition when you take the cover off there is a ventilation option for the residual limb and that was not possible before. This means that the user, even when it is hot, when they sweat, gets cooled air transferred to their residual limb.”

Dominika says she has sometimes tried to hide her missing arm. But even if her new 3D-printed limb is more conspicuous, she tells she doesn’t think it’s a bad thing.

And most importantly, it lets her do things she’s always wanted to do, but couldn’t before.

“I think I will first go for a walk with me dog and try out here how far I can pull him in or how far he can pull me. But just picking up a fork or a knife at home and cutting a schnitzel is something that I haven't done before. So I think I will start with food and little things like taking the dog for a walk.”