Eric

Middletown, NY

Occupation

Prior to his accident, Eric was a Correctional Officer. He is now a talented Tattoo Artist.

TechnologY

Transhumeral osseointegration externally powered prosthesis with Espire Pro elbow, Motion Control electric wrist rotator & Zeus S hand

Handspring Hero Since

2024

Success Story: From Trauma to Technology

Eric lost his arm due to a motorcycle accident in 2023 when he was 29 years old, but that doesn't stop him today! He is one of the very few above the elbow arm amputees in the country to get osseointegration. Osseointegration is a surgical procedure for amputees that directly anchors a titanium implant into the remaining humerus bone, allowing a prosthesis to attach directly to the skeletal anatomy. This eliminates traditional socket related issues such as sweating, chafing, and pain, providing better control and sensory feedback. Since his surgery, Eric has been fit with the latest technology in a prosthetic elbow and hand. With his new Espire Pro elbow and Zeus hand, Eric can get back to doing the things he loves. He has even had the opportunity to begin a new career as a tattoo artist! Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is thankful to have access to the most advanced devices available for an upper limb amputee.

For more information regarding osseointegration, call Handspring today!

What Stands Out

Skilled, intuitive, and creative care

"From the very beginning, working with handspring has become one of the best decisions I could have ever made to better my quality of life. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive of my journey. I haven’t felt alone in the process of getting my prosthetic beginning with clinical visits to surgeries and now alterations on my new limb."

Eric's Journey

Following a severe motorcycle accident, Eric was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for life-saving surgery to address extensive multi-limb and internal injuries. After stabilizing, he began the grueling work of physical rehabilitation at Helen Hayes Hospital, where he focused on regaining his independence.

Eric’s path to prosthetic success began in February 2024 when he was referred to Handspring. Our clinical team immediately identified a critical challenge: adherent scar tissue that would make traditional socket fitting very challenging. To ensure the best outcome, we collaborated with the NYU Center for Amputation Reconstruction. Together with surgeons Dr. Jaques Hacquebord and Dr. Omri Ayalon, Physiatrist Dr. Paulinder Rai from The Rai Clinic and Michael Jenks, CPO from Integrum, we developed a specialized plan featuring Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Osseointegration (OI).

Following successful surgeries in 2025 and intensive weight-loading therapy at Garnet Health, Eric is now mastering his externally powered prosthesis—reclaiming his daily life one step at a time.

Eric's Advice

"When you are advised to be patient and understand it’s a process, it’s to be taken literally. There will be frustration when learning how to efficiently use your prosthesis but everything takes time to learn. One tip is to remain calm and to not get too discouraged when you aren’t getting the proper feedback."