The loss of fingers, whether in the hand or foot, is one of the physical disabilities that affect the quality of life, not only on the motor level but also on the psychological and social level, which led to the development of compensatory techniques such as the installation of finger prosthesis for the hand and foot.
There are 56 finger amputations per 100,000 people in the world, but in recent years, finger prosthesis technology has advanced with improved materials and attempts at neural connectivity, yet challenges of motor accuracy, physical acceptance, and psychological integration remain.
What are prosthetic fingers, and who needs them?
Finger prosthesis is an effective solution for people who have lost one of their fingers either completely or partially as a result of injuries or diseases, where silicone fingers are fitted to the hand or from other materials such as plastic or aluminum to replace the amputated part of the finger, as replacing a missing finger requires high precision in manufacturing and fitting to ensure comfort and normal function in the hand.
Silicone finger in terms of shape, color, and texture
An advanced cosmetic option for replacing a missing finger, the silicone finger is designed to mimic the natural shape with maximum accuracy. It is made using 3D scanning or traditional molds to mimic anatomical details such as skin folds, vessels, and nails, and is colored internally and externally to achieve an accurate match with real skin color. For the normal texture, medical grade silicone is flexible and responds to pressure and flexion naturally, mimicking the real texture.
Types of prosthetic fingers for the hand and foot
There are several types of prosthetic fingers, such as the functional prosthetic finger or the cosmetic prosthetic finger, and these types vary according to the level of amputation:
- Artificial fingers for partial amputation: Finger prostheses are fitted in case of amputation of a finger or toe to complete the amputated part with a piece of silicone that matches the shape of the natural finger and skin color to help the person perform daily tasks with ease.
- Fixed and mobile prosthetic fingers: There are fixed fingers that are connected to a brace or joint to improve the overall shape only, in addition to the availability of smart fingers that work close to the functions of fingers, but they are limited in accuracy, because they work with a new technology that relies on nerve signals issued from the brain like electronic prosthetics.
There are also hand prostheses in the form of a silicone glove to compensate for the amputation of all the fingers of the hand so that the patient can move his fingers and grasp objects tightly.
The difference between a functional and cosmetic prosthetic finger
- A cosmetic finger prosthesis: It is a prosthetic finger that is mainly made for the purpose of replacing the external appearance only to look identical to a normal finger. It does not perform any motor function but helps to improve psychological well-being and social integration.
- A functional finger prosthesis: A prosthetic finger that is designed to perform mechanical functions such as bending or grasping, and may be simple in its movement or complex with a control mechanism (cables, joints, or muscle signals).
How is a finger prosthesis designed and fitted for patients?
First, the medical condition is assessed, according to the level of amputation and the condition of the remaining skin and bones, then measurements may be taken using a 3D scanner, and if the other hand is intact, it is used as a reference to design an identical design for the finger, and the material used is chosen, either high-quality medical silicone that matches the color of the skin, titanium or plastic, and flexible joints or movement mechanisms may be added, and after completion the patient installs the artificial finger for trial and may modify the model for formal compliance and comfort after wearing and ensuring its stability without slipping.
In the end, the final fitting is done through suction cups, glue, or implants, and the patient must be taught how to care for the prosthetic finger. The patient must also be followed up on a regular basis, which is necessary to monitor the skin and to adjust as needed.
Steps for taking measurements and creating the mold
Taking measurements and creating the mold is done through the following steps:
- Patient-specific hand molds are made using materials that are gentle on the skin
- He uses wax molds and sculpts the shape of the desired prosthetic fingers
- Strong molds are made based on the measurements of the patient’s hands and fingers that have been carved into the wax.
- The finger prosthesis is made from medical-grade silicone, then adjustments are made to make it more natural.
- Skin color, nails, even freckles, and every detail of the patient’s skin is painted.
Artificial finger stabilization options: Suction, adhesive, implants
In the final stages of finger prosthesis fitting, the limb is stabilized by several methods:
- Suction: The air is sucked out by pushing the prosthetic finger into the amputated finger after coating it with Vaseline, then the air comes out between the prosthetic finger and the natural skin, which stabilizes the prosthetic finger firmly and prevents it from slipping.
- Adhesive: Silicone or acrylic medical adhesives are used to attach the prosthesis directly to the skin. The adhesive is placed on the base of the prosthesis and glued over the amputation area accurately, as this method provides a natural appearance and ease of daily installation and removal, but it requires hygiene care and is less stable when sweating or intense physical activity.
- Implants: An abutment (usually titanium) is surgically implanted into the remaining bone, from which an external connection emerges, and prosthetic fingers are attached to this connection by magnetic or mechanical systems, providing high stability and ease of use without the need for adhesives or sleeves, but it requires surgery with strict monitoring for possible infection or implant failure.
Advantages of using cosmetic and silicone prostheses
There are many advantages of fitting a cosmetic or silicone finger prosthesis, whether on the psychological and health level of the patient or on the social level, including these advantages:
- Improving the patient’s overall image, as it is difficult to distinguish between a silicone prosthesis and a natural finger
- Protecting the amputated part from infections or skin conditions
- Safe on the skin and has the appearance of natural leather
- Easy to maintain and easy to install
- Long life expectancy, provided you take care of it
Who can benefit from finger prosthesis?
Finger prosthesis for the hand or foot in case of partial or total amputation of the fingers, with the aim of restoring the patient’s ability to perform the simplest tasks of life normally, and also aims to give the patient a natural aesthetic appearance, in line with the natural fingers to improve his quality of life and facilitate the effective practice of his work.
The following are some of the conditions that can benefit from finger prosthesis:
- Finger amputation as a result of traumatic accidents or cutting with sharp objects
- Birth defects resulting from birth defects
- Gangrene from diabetes
- Erosion of cartilage, fingers, and tissue destruction
- Removing cancerous tumors in the extremities
Potential challenges when using prosthetic fingers
Like any other medical procedure, fitting finger prosthesis carries some challenges, such as:
- Instability or slippage: Especially in adhesive or suction cups, they may slip during movement or sweating, causing embarrassment in front of people.
- Discoloration over time: Although silicone is precisely colored, it can change color over time or with exposure to the sun.
- Allergies or skin irritation: Especially when using stickers or in situations with poor ventilation and hygiene.
- Impaired sensation and fine motor function
- High cost and ongoing maintenance
- Psychological burden and personal acceptance
Tips for caring for and extending the life of your finger prosthesis
The following rules should be followed in order to care for and prolong the life of prosthetic fingers as much as possible:
- Take care to clean the prosthesis thoroughly
- Take off the prosthesis before bedtime
- Use medications and creams in case of infections or inflammation
- Replace them if they are worn, damaged or discolored
- See your doctor at scheduled appointments and when necessary
- During use, keep it away from substances containing caustic acids
- Keep away from flammable materials
In conclusion, fitting a finger prosthesis to replace a missing finger is a great solution to restore self-confidence, promote mental health, and support social inclusion. If you need a finger prosthesis, choosing a medical center is the first step in restoring the appearance of your fingers.
Sources:
- Kumar, A., Basak, S., Nongthombam, R. S., Chirom, B., & Panmei, P. (2023). Finger prosthesis: An economic and esthetic approach. Cureus, 15(7), e41989.
- Kumar, A., Debica, T., Das, M., Savana, K., Ningthoujam, B., & Malvika, W. (2024). A comprehensive review on a prosthetic finger fabrication approach: Clinical rest position (CRP) vs palms and fingers extended (PFE). Cureus, 16(8), e67035.
