A prosthesis made by a university engineering student with missing fingers was created to fit any hand, regardless of age.
It was made by Grantham resident Luke Cox, 26, as part of his Staffordshire University senior thesis.
Unlike many others, he claimed, its design allows it to be worn all through childhood, potentially saving families thousands of pounds.
To have created something that could aid others, Mr. Cox said he felt "proud.".
Ectrodactyly, or missing fingers on the right hand, is a birth defect that the student has.
Despite not using a prosthesis himself, he claimed that the expense and drawbacks of current devices were what motivated him to create his own.
"You [have] that empathy," he said, "knowing what it's like to grow up with a disability.".
Top-of-the-line prostheses with electrical components that use muscle signals can cost up to £100,000 each. Even the most affordable body-actuated models can cost up to £4,000. ".
The 3D-printed model from Mr. Cox cost him £19.97 to make.
His design can fit any size hand because it can be bent in hot water. The finger modules are replaceable and expandable in size.
Children are required to update their devices twice a year, which is both costly and wasteful, he said.
It will make a significant difference if you can use the same prosthesis for the duration of your childhood. ".
The final prototype has gotten good feedback from industry professionals, according to Mr. Cox. He added that he planned to ask for advice on bringing the product to market, but he was unsure of how much the device might sell for.
"I've created something tangible that might aid people in the real world, and I suppose that feeling of pride that comes from creating something of that nature.
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