Back in the game
Bionic arm lets amputee hold a pool cue & pint
A QUADRUPLE amputee got to hold a pint and shoot pool for the first time in five years thanks to a bionic arm made in a 3D printer.
Michael White, 55, lost all four limbs due to a rare inflammatory condition called Behcet’s syndrome.
Between 2012 and 2017 he had around 30 operations including procedures to amputate his legs and hands.
But the former gardener is now using his robotic limb to mow the lawn and do other everyday tasks.
Michael was initially fitted with NHS cosmetic arms but he was unable to lift things with them.
His custom-built new arm translates small muscle movements in his arm into natural hand movements.
The Hero Arm device was made using 3D scanning and printing to better fit his body.
Michael said: “In the end, I begged them to take my hands off, because any small cut would make them go black, they were dying and the pain was excruciating.
“With my NHS prescribed cosmetic arm, I can’t pick things up. If I go down the pub, now with my bionic arm, I’ll be able to hold a pint.”
When Michael was asked what was the first thing he was
going to do with his new arm, he said he was looking forward to celebrating his 55th birthday with a game of pool at his local in Fleet, Hampshire. He was able to pot balls and use the cue just as before. Michael said: “I was looking for something functional that looked cool and to see if it would make life less frustrating. “I just strive to get back to normality, that’s all I wanted to do. To be able to drive, to get back to work.
“I didn’t want to be sat at home, being waited on. I’ve always been an independent person.”
While it has been seven years since the amputations, Michael is still setting goals for himself. He added: “There are still so many things I really want to do, simple hobbies like going fishing and being able to hold a fishing rod. “Amputees need to help other amputees. Persevere and keep a positive mental attitude, you can do it.” He was able to pay for the bespoke arm thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. Makers Open Bionics says it is on a mission to help patients “turn disabilities into superpowers”. Co-founder Samantha Payne MBE said: “Michael has been on an exceptional journey to regain functionality and independence. “We’re so pleased to see him be able to enjoy some more of his favourite hobbies with the use of the Hero Arm.”
I don’t want to be sat at home. I’ve always been independent
MICHAEL WHITE ON HIS GOALS TO WORK AND PLAY