I'm a prosthetist and I've worked with the iLimb Ultra (the version I assume is being referenced in this article). The iPod that was stolen is presumably a jailbroken iPod that was set up by Touch Bionics. The original version of the iLimb Ultra required a jailbroken iPod to link up to the hand. However, it's usefulness is in changing the grip patterns that the hand is capable of. Losing the iPod doesn't "brick" the hand so much as it prevents the patient from being able to change the grasp patterns of the hand on the fly. He can still open and close the hand. This iPod touch could be replaced by another jailbroken iPod from Touch Bionics, but I know that they were down to their last few refurbished units when I last got one for a patient. The current version of the iLimb Ultra (and its successor the iLimb Ultra Revolution) both can connect to any iDevice without requiring special modifications to the iDevice. The one that this patient has is presumably about 2 years old as that's when they still had not yet switched to a standard bluetooth connection.

I am a prosthetist, and I regularly fit and bill for these devices as a result. Sure it sounds great that this particular patient can get a hand made for $50, but it’s not a fair comparison and doesn’t necessarily apply for every amputee. Also, as several others have pointed out, that does not take into account the labor or other overhead costs. (Cost estimates that follow are just some ballpark figures)

First off, the patient has part of his hand, and has opposition capabilities at his wrist. If his amputation level was directly through the wrist, or higher, the 3D-printed hand would need a harness or some other element to provide the body power. He’s also lucky enough that he can get away without having an extensive socket to suspend the 3D printed hand on his arm as a result.

Based on the myoelectric prosthesis shown, the $42,000 cost is likely “Usual and Customary” cost. At a contracted rate with insurance on a device like this, you’re probably best case looking at about $16,000 actually being billed to the insurance company. Looks like a Sensorhand Speed (or similar) hand being used, which has a parts cost upwards of $4000 from the manufacturer. The electrodes, battery unit, and custom made socket probably cost an additional $3000 in parts. The billed amount to the insurance company includes the prosthetist’s evaluation, casting, manufacturing, fitting, and subsequent follow-up and adjustment appointments for 6 months.

All that said, the patient probably shouldn’t have been fit with the system shown; most of the benefits he’s stating (such as holding a box at work) are more related to him having a proper limb length with the 3D printed hand! The myoelectric prosthesis shown has thrown off the alignment of the hands for performing bimanual tasks, placing his prosthetic hand way further from his elbow than his sound side hand. He would probably benefit from an M-finger prosthesis which would probably have only run about $5,000 to the insurance company, even being custom made to match the patient. Probably $1500 in parts.

.... but if they said a $1500 prosthetic hand was outperformed by $50 3D printed hand, people wouldn’t get as hyped up.