The Doctors: Boy Gets Superhero Hand Thanks To 3D Printer Technology

The Doctors: 3D Printer Technology

The Doctors explained that 3D printers have been changing medicine in a number of ways, including creating prosthetics and even organs, and for one little boy, it empowered him to become a superhero.

When Bubba’s mom was pregnant with him, she was told she would have a baby born with ABS, or Amniotic Band Syndrome. Bubba was born without fingers on one his hands, but other than that, he was perfectly healthy. They briefly looked into prosthetics but after finding out they were $20,000-40,000, they knew there was no way they could afford one.

They then researched mechanical hands and found a research study at Creighton University. They tried to get Bubba into the study, but because they didn’t live close enough, they were forwarded to a group called e-Nable, which was a group of regular people, working for free. Bubba received a hand called a Cyborg Beast, that they paid nothing for.

The Drs TV: Boy Received Superhero Hand

Before Bubba got his hand, kids would stare, and he was self-conscious. But then when he got his hand, suddenly other kids thought it was the coolest thing. To make the hand it cost around $50, and Bubba’s grandmother Rulan explained that there are other varieties of hands that are available, but it’s more specific to what the child has or doesn’t have, physically.

For $50, you can buy the kit that designs the hand that will work for your child, and a 3D printer will create it. The kit is sent to your home, and you can put it on your child’s hand, suddenly giving them confidence. The Doctors then shared that Flash Forge USA donated a 3D printer to Bubba’s family so that they could facilitate the printing of the hands to kids throughout Maui.

Dr. Stork said the e-Nable community is all about spreading kindness. They they then surprised Bubba with a whole bunch of Iron Man Marvel Superhero Squad toys.