Over the course of my career I have seen people from all walks of life who have sustained hand injuries for a variety of reasons. The majority have had finger amputations, both single digit and multiple digit loss. 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. In some areas of Canada there is limited access to post surgery care, including medical follow up, rehab therapy, emotional support and the provision of finger prosthetics. Many who have suffered this type of injury are left to find their way on their own. There are only a handful of specialists in Canada that can provide a custom finger prosthesis. Finger prosthetics are a specialty and are not usually part of the certified prosthetists' repertoire. This presents a problem for clinicians and patients alike. Lifeart Prosthetics is currently developing an innovative way to address this issue.
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