Clinical Specialities in Orthotic and Prosthetic :

Cosmatic Prosthesis for people with hand or finger loss -
               Cosmatic Prosthesis is a replacement of a lost body part in medicine and health care. This type of prosthesis mainly refers to external prostheses which replace limbs, hands, feet, facial organs. Cosmatic Prostheses are external prostheses where the primary function is to provide life-like representation of a lost body part, often without any functional role. This type of prosthesis is called a Passive Prosthesis. If the primary purpose of prosthesis is a function then it is called as a Functional Prosthesis. People who have limb, hand or facial amputations due to trouma, illness or by birth, often wear Cosmetic Prostheses. There are many reasons why a person should wear Cosmatic Prostheses. Some of them are given below :

1] A person might have a limb loss that causes minimal loss of function. For eg. - The loss of part of a finger or toe.

2] A person might not be able to use a Functional Prosthesis. For eg. - An amputee who doesn't have sufficient strength, dexterity or endurance to walk with a prosthesis but who wishes to restore the appearance of body symmetry.

3] A person may use a functional prosthesis for some occasions and myo-electric bionic hand/arms prosthesis at work and a high defination cosmatic passive arms for social situations.

4] A person who has had amputations of the maxillo facial region may use cosmatic prosthesis to restore their pre-amputation appearance.

5] A person with upper limb loss might use a prosthetic hand that doesn't move or function (called a Passive Hand) with a Cosmatic glow. These are available in a range of sizes and skin tones, to more advanced products including custom made covers of high defination silicon. To produce this custom product, a replica of the opposite limb is used as a model to match the person anatomical size, shape and color, including features such as freck less, veins, skin pigmentations and hair.

6] The missing part of their fingers, toes, hand or foot can be made from silicon prosthesis. These can be self suspending depending on the shape of the residual body parts.

7] A person with facial amputations may benefit from a high defination silicon prosthesis that can be suspended with glues, osseo integrated bar/magnets or suspended on glasses.

8] Sometimes, Cosmatic Prosthesis are called "Passive Prosthesis", but this can be misleading as cosmatic prosthetic can be very useful. For eg. - A cosmatic arm can help to stabilize a piece of paper for writing, can steady various kitchen utencils or tools, or can help to carry items.

Cosmatic Covers for Limb Prosthesis :

These are range of Cosmatic options available to people who used functional limb prosthesis :

1] Foam covers are shaped to match to shape of remaining limb and are usually covered with stockings. This is the most common type of cosmatic cover for lower limb prosthesis.

2] Pre-fabricated cosmatic covers made from silicon or vinyl can be fitted over the foam cover. These are available in different skin tones and include more realistic features.

3] Custom-made silicon covers which come at higher cost, but provide a much more life-like finish.

4] 3D printed prosthetic covers are available in wide variety of custom colors and art work these covers are individually designed and are not intended to replicate the look of the missing limb.

               The cost of different cosmatic covers varies widely. Usually the most basic types are covered by external funding schemes. Not all prosthetic covers are suitable for all people, the best choice depends on factors including residual limb shape, personal preference, the type of prosthesis and the activities that the prosthesis will be used for.

               If a patient has decided that a passive silicon restoration is what would help them to achieve the best of their goals, we start the process with a series of impressions of the affected and non-affected finger, hand or arm. Next, we work with expert artists who match the missing body part to the person's sound hand or arm. The silicon is modeled to match the sound hand.

               The artist add colors, finger nails and wrinkles. These types of re storation are available for amputation of things which are as small as finger tips, or for as much as above the elbow amputations. There are some prostheses which are not custom painted but can match the users' skin tone and size. These are less expensive options. Some single motor myoelectric hands can offers movement and look similar to their sound hand.

               There are several advantages of having a passive silicon restoration. Having an arm/hand/finger that looks similar to the persons' sound body part and which can provide physio-sycho social benefits to the users. This can be especially helpful to those who have lost part of their upper arm in a troumatic way. For any one with limb difference, it can improve their confidence to be out in public and help with their overall personal body image.

               In addition, these prosthesis are light weighted and do provide some level of function. They may improve persons' abilities by providing a surface for stabilizing or carrying objects. These devices also provide symmetry to the individual body. This can help in balancing the weight. The device also provides protection for affected body parts including residual limbs. These devices often experience various level of sensitivity and do best by working as a buffer between them.

Other Advantages :

1. Often harnesses are not required.
2. Unlike many body - powered devices,there are no batteries to charge at night like myo-electric devices.

               As compared to self glowing covering which results in an "Uncanny Vally" perception by others, these fingers or hands or arms look impressvely realistic. They do not feel like a surprise when an unwitting strenger who reaches out you to shake your hand. However, you are in a complete control and can reach out the stranger confidentally by providing your prosthetic hand with a smile. It is literally a variable work of art.

               The advantages that were listed above are more than enough for most of the people to persive a poassive silicon restoration.

               If you would like to learn more about this type of restoration and want our help through our expertise faculty, then Please contact us and leave a comment.