Hello

My name is Jason Morris, and I’m the creator of the Hexa-Flex Modular Prosthetic Arm System. In 2012, I became an above-elbow amputee following a traumatic wood grinder accident. Since then, my life has been dedicated to prosthetics and the incredible people who create and use them. I developed the Hexa-Flex Arm because many amputees cannot afford the expensive myoelectric arms currently available, and even those advanced arms come with limitations. My goal was to design something that is strong, lightweight, affordable, and adaptable for a wide range of activities. When paired with your preferred socket and terminal device, I believe this will be the arm you’ll reach for most often.

My Story

Like many amputees, I was thrust into the world of prosthetics in search of a device to replace my missing limb. Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of prosthetic devices, from passive, realistic-looking arms to conventional body-powered arms and even the most advanced myoelectric arms that respond to my thoughts to control movements. I’ve had the privilege of serving as an ambassador for several prosthetic companies, including Hanger, Coapt Engineering, BioDesigns, and Atom Limbs. I’ve always enjoyed discussing and demonstrating prosthetics to new amputees or those with congenital limb differences, as giving others hope for their future keeps me motivated to continue helping.

One of the prosthetic arms I relied on most was my "Rehabilitation Arm," designed to adapt to various sporting and work activities. It was a simple "stick" arm that moved up and down, locking into four positions. This arm was lightweight, easily attached to my existing socket, and could be equipped with different terminal devices for tasks like riding bikes, lifting weights, or holding objects steady during woodworking. I gravitated towards this arm because it was lighter than my other prosthetics and wasn't overly complicated to use or adjust. While any of my other arms could have performed the same activities, they all posed significant challenges and never felt entirely natural or safe to use.

For example, using my body-powered arm to ride a bike was always problematic due to the limited angles at which I could position my elbow and wrist joints. This made it difficult to hold the handlebars without discomfort or awkward contortions. The Rehabilitation Arm, or "stick" arm, would often break if I tried to lift too much weight, and it wore out the threaded connector in my socket because it lacked rotational support. Finally, I was reluctant to use my $180,000 myoelectric arm for tasks like cutting wood on a table saw, fearing that an unintended movement could not only destroy the prosthetic but also potentially cause another serious injury.

After facing numerous challenges with my current prosthetics, I set out to design something that truly met my needs and aspirations. My goal was to create a joint that was not only stronger and lighter than most prosthetic arms available but also provided an enhanced range of motion and could be securely locked at any angle. After months of development and countless prototypes, the Hexa-Flex Modular Prosthetic Arm was born.

How Does it Work?

The Hexa-Flex Arm is very simple to operate, adjust and manipulate.

The Hexa-Flex Joint operates with the users opposing sound hand or terminal device. They simply grasp the joints handle and pull the knob down away from the socket. This disengages the handle and forearm from the Hexagonal Mounting Ball and allows you to rotate the forearm around the balls axis. Next you would simply position the forearm at your desired angle and release the pull knob. That's it, now the forearm is securely locked!

The user can also pull the knob completely down and twist it, to lock the knob into a disengaged position. Now the handle and forearm will swing freely around the Hexagonal Ball Mount. This can be used for a free-swinging elbow joint when walking or for playing certain sports like golfing or rowing.

When a user wants to manipulate their Hexa-Flex Arms configuration for a different activity they have the option of using the quick release Forearm Tool included with every arm, or using the toolless option that only requires thumb screws to change out the forearms and its components. The arms modular ability gives the user multiple configuration options depending on their amputation level. Options include, different length forearms, multiple terminal device connectors, humeral extensions, wrist adapters, and Dual Joint Modulation.

The Hexa-Flex Arm is not just for passive operation. Working with your prosthetist you can arrange for them to connect a harnessing system to operate a normally open or closed type terminal device.

Check out our Gallery for examples of different configurations.