The generic term finger prosthesis includes two different types of prosthesis: The finger prosthesis for the loss of a finger, or the finger joint prosthesis, which replaces a destroyed finger joint in cases of rheumatism or osteoarthritis.
Further information and where you can find finger prosthesis specialists can be found here.
Finger prostheses can be used in different areas:
Restrictions on the fingers are life-changing. Both the loss of a finger and the restrictions caused by joint damage lead to functional limitations of the hands in everyday life. Even simple tasks can become difficult or impossible.
In addition, the loss of phalanges or entire fingers can be a major psychological burden. Nevertheless, those affected can react in very different ways. For a pianist, for example, the loss of a finger will bring the world crashing down.
For many of those affected, this ultimately leads to the desire for a replacement for the lost finger. A finger prosthesis. First and foremost, a finger prosthesis is intended to replace the missing finger cosmetically. This is because the artificial silicone finger is not functional. Psychological stress can therefore be a medical indication for a finger prosthesis. Health insurance companies will only cover the costs if there is a medical indication.
But it is not only the loss of a finger that reduces quality of life. Joint damage caused by rheumatism or osteoarthritis can also quickly stiffen fingers, making simple everyday hand movements a problem. In this case, it is possible to use a joint replacement, the so-called finger joint prosthesis.
A finger prosthesis serves as a functional and cosmetic replacement for the missing finger @ sytnik /AdobeStock
Several steps are required to create a finger prosthesis:
However, this requires good cooperation between doctors and prosthesis specialists to ensure that everything fits correctly in the end.
The finger prosthesis takes over certain functions of the hand. At the same time, it fulfills an aesthetic function, as the artificial finger should look similar to the original. The finger prosthesis is therefore less noticeable in everyday life.
In finger joint replacement, doctors surgically replace an inflamed or destroyed finger joint with an artificial joint. The finger joint prosthesis specialists access the joint via a small incision and can replace it. The natural finger retains its function.
Many patients with finger amputations are reluctant to lift the affected hand or use it when gesticulating. A finger prosthesis makes this possible again, allowing patients to use both hands for pointing, interpreting or gesticulating.
Furthermore, patients with a finger prosthesis can work with both hands again. Natural grasping movements and lost grip types are also possible again.
The situation is very similar with a finger joint prosthesis for rheumatism or osteoarthritis. Patients with a finger joint prosthesis can also grasp again and work with both hands after healing and physiotherapy.
A silicone finger prosthesis realistically replicates the missing finger @ sytnik /AdobeStock
The finger prosthesis requires aftercare of the amputation stump. Doctors have to maintain it and check it regularly for pressure points or changes.
As the finger joint prosthesis is a surgical procedure, aftercare mainly involves wound care and infection prevention.
Certain splints and physiotherapy exercises are designed to speed up the rehabilitation of the hand and fingers.
Specialists in the field of orthopaedics and trauma surgery are the people to contact for finger prostheses or finger joint prostheses. Finger prosthesis specialists work in experienced orthopaedic and surgical centers.
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