Ben's Michelangelo Story.

Ben Dodds — finding his new hand.

Ben Dodds, a self-confessed film geek, worked as a Production Technician at Paramount Studios for ten years. In November 2016, on a rainy day when he chose the tram instead of his bike, his life took a fateful turn — the tram derailed in a tunnel and Ben suffered a severe crush injury that resulted in an above-elbow amputation of his right arm.

After leaving hospital, Ben had to relearn everyday tasks with his left hand. In March 2017 he was assessed for prosthetic options at a specialist clinic, where prosthetists and therapists worked with him to evaluate solutions. He was first fitted with a body-powered prosthesis and a sports arm before progressing to myoelectric trials with the Michelangelo hand.

Today, Ben can wear his Michelangelo for up to seven hours a day. With seven different gripping positions, the hand makes everyday movements — turning a page, typing, cooking, gardening, gaming — feel natural again. The AxonWrist allows flexion, extension and inward/outward rotation, helping prevent unnatural compensating movements and supporting healthy posture.

“My first impressions of the Michelangelo were that it is brilliant. Functionally having a 'second hand' again made things a lot better for me day to day.” For Ben, the right prosthesis combined with the right team made all the difference.