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Prosthetic Fingers

More than 40,000 people in North America suffer a finger amputation every year. The loss of a finger can happen in an instant. Trauma, disease and congenital differences can change how the hand functions. Losing a finger can profoundly impact one’s ability to perform daily tasks and engage in activities that require fine motor skills. Finger prosthetics offer a transformative solution, not only in terms of appearance but also in functionality and independence. Custom finger prosthetics can be designed to restore or enhance grip strength and dexterity. Wearing a prosthesis may help close the “holes”, in a person’s grip, so that objects don’t fall out of the hand. Prosthetic fingers can restore the lost length of the fingers which makes typing and other keyboard activities easier and faster. Whether needed for fine motor skills such as typing, playing a musical instrument or for more robust tasks like opening jars or handling tools, prosthetics can be engineered for general use or they can be made task specific. Beyond the physical rehabilitation, the emotional and psychological impact of using prosthetic fingers cannot be overstated. Many individuals experience a profound sense of loss and identity following amputation, which can affect their self esteem and social interactions. Often, new amputees will hide their injured hand in a pocket or inside a glove to avoid being questioned by people that are outside their friend and family circle. If the missing anatomy can be restored with a prosthesis, people will be less likely to notice and the individual can avoid painful memories and flashbacks. Effective rehabilitation programs and care providers address these emotional challenges through counselling, peer support groups and mindfulness techniques. It takes time to adjust and adapt to life after finger loss. There may be residual phantom pain or sensations such as tingling or numbness. The affected hand may be extremely sensitive to the cold and strategies to manage this problem should be discussed. There is a growing emphasis on patient-centered care and shared decision making in rehabilitation practices. Prosthetists collaborate with patients as partners in their care, ensuring that the prosthetics provided are a good “fit”, for the wearer’s individual goals and aspirations.

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