To construct a finger prosthesis that is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing will depend on the shape and sensitivity of the remaining stump.
Consultations with the patient and the orthopaedic surgeon should be made for the proper assessment of the stump.
When all the criteria are satisfied and the patient is sufficiently motivated construction of the finger prosthesis can start.
Impressions are taken of the remaining stump and working models are cast.
In order to make sure that the prosthesis fit well and comfortably we would always construct and fit a temporary “try on” sleeve to fit the stump before commencing on the real finger prosthesis.
To produce this temporary sleeve the stump model is slowly reduced or subsequently enlarged until a sleeve can be made that provides comfort and good retention. It is possible that several sleeves need to be made before the stump model is considered the correct size.
The finger prostheses is carved in wax and tried onto the patient’s finger stump. Corrections are made until all functional and aesthetical criteria are met.
A mould is made of the waxed finger ensuring the correct placement of the “hand made” acrylic finger nail.
In the presence of the patient the silicone base material is mixed and skin colour matched then packed into the mould.
The finished finger prosthesis is placed onto the stump which creates a vacuum ensuring a retentive prosthesis.
In cases where the finger prostheses cannot be retained by “sleeve to stump” methods the placement of integrated implants to which the prosthesis can be attached is possible.
After several consultations with the orthopaedic surgeon and careful planning the placement of the titanium implant fixtures can be done.
The time allowed for the integration of the implants into the bone will be determined by the surgeon but a period of approximately 3 months is usually accepted.
When proper integration is achieved the construction of the finger prosthesis can be started.
The same process of carving the finger in wax, trying it on the patient until all components fit correctly, the making of the mould and packing of the silicone base material after a skin colour match of the opposing fingers is followed. The implant components should be correctly incorporated into the mould.
After the curing process the finger prosthesis with the implant retention system intact is removed and finished.
The finished finger prosthesis is placed onto the stump by means of the retention system insife the finger being clipped into the integrated implant fixture.
A well retained and aesthetically pleasing prosthsis should be the result.
Please contact us if you need further information.