Are there prosthetics for fingers?
Hand and finger amputations are the most common types of upper limb amputation, and many new prosthetic solutions are now available to meet diverse needs. From cable-controlled systems to articulated fingers, there are prosthetic solutions for almost every level of hand and finger amputation.
One of the main reasons for using a partial hand prosthesis is that you can use your affected side more frequently instead of hiding it in your pocket. Many people report that using a partial hand prosthesis makes it easier to handle change, grasp irregularly shaped objects, hold papers, and more.
Types of Partial Hand and Finger Prostheses
Many finger and thumb amputees use different prostheses, one for work and recreation, and another for social activities. The following details various prosthetic technologies:
Electric Prostheses
Best suited for moderate-intensity work environments, designed for individuals requiring myoelectric control of a partial hand prosthesis.
Body-Powered Prostheses
Best suited for high-intensity work and recreational activities.
Silicone Prosthetic Solutions
Suitable for light activity environments, providing a precise match to skin tone and contours for a more natural appearance.
We custom-make silicone finger, thumb, or hand prostheses to protect sensitive tissues, improve function, and restore appearance. We mimic the texture, color, and translucency of your skin and nails to create natural-looking artificial fingers and hands. We work closely with patients and their families to develop comfortable, realistic, and functional prosthetic solutions.
Silicone fingers and hands may be needed in the following situations:
Congenital or birth defects; such as amniotic band syndrome or syndactyly (missing or underdeveloped fingers)
Surgery – finger amputation due to cancer or tumor removal
Amputation due to diseases such as diabetes or scleroderma
Trauma – work injuries, burns, or other trauma
First, rest assured –our procedures are gentle and painless. All of our finger and hand prostheses are custom-made in our own laboratory, ensuring high quality and personalized design.
The entire process includes the following steps:
We create a hand model using gentle materials.
We modify the patient's model and create a diagnostic test prosthetic socket to assess its fit.
We meticulously sculpt the shape of the prosthetic limb using wax to ensure a natural and comfortable fit.
Once the sculpting is complete, we create a durable mold to replicate the silicone prosthesis.
We will make adjustments until a perfect fit is achieved.
We paint the back of the fingernails to give them a natural appearance.
Using your provided specifications, we carefully paint every skin detail into the mold.
We check the fit of the finger or hand prosthesis and meticulously paint details such as freckles onto the surface.
We will demonstrate wearing and care instructions so you can confidently use your prosthetic finger or hand.
Our silicone finger and hand prostheses rely on suction and overlap with the remaining anatomical structures for secure attachment. If your finger is completely missing, we may need to create a glove-style silicone prosthesis.
Can I apply nail polish to the prosthesis?
Yes, you can apply custom-made, fine acrylic nails to most finger and hand prostheses. We recommend avoiding gel nail polish and using acetone-free nail polish remover.
If you are considering a silicone finger or hand prosthesis, we welcome you to come in for a consultation and evaluation, which is completely free.
We can arrange a brief evaluation via FaceTime or What’sapp. If video conferencing is not convenient, you can provide photos and we can arrange a phone consultation.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment.