A silicone restoration can restore length to a partially amputated digit, supply opposition for
a thumb or, in the case of a total hand, passively adjustable fingers can assist in holding
objects. The new silicone technologies eliminate many of the problems encountered in
prostheses made of more traditional materials. Silicone also offers stain resistance, better
durability and more resilience, as well as a more natural appearance. The psychological
importance of this natural appearance cannot be overlooked. A person who feels
uncomfortable with a less-than-realistic prosthesis will hide it rather than use it.
At District Amputee Care Center we use two of the most advanced technologies for silicone
restorations. One utilizes a hand painted color matching technique from Alternative
Prosthetic Services and the other from RSL Steeper uses pigmented layers of silicone.
Each of the techniques are described belows.
a thumb or, in the case of a total hand, passively adjustable fingers can assist in holding
objects. The new silicone technologies eliminate many of the problems encountered in
prostheses made of more traditional materials. Silicone also offers stain resistance, better
durability and more resilience, as well as a more natural appearance. The psychological
importance of this natural appearance cannot be overlooked. A person who feels
uncomfortable with a less-than-realistic prosthesis will hide it rather than use it.
At District Amputee Care Center we use two of the most advanced technologies for silicone
restorations. One utilizes a hand painted color matching technique from Alternative
Prosthetic Services and the other from RSL Steeper uses pigmented layers of silicone.
Each of the techniques are described belows.
FINGER
THUMB
PARTIAL HAND
BELOW ELBOW
PASSIVE / MYO
PASSIVE / MYO
ABOVE ELBOW
PARTIAL FOOT
BELOW KNEE
Molds
The mold for a custom silicone restoration is fabricated from a life cast of the patients corresponding anatomy on
the uninjured side. This process allows a nearly exact match to the characteristics of the opposite side.
Coloring
The color is applied with the patient present to ensure a realistic match. The prosthetic device is fabricated of a
flexible, transparent silicone rubber. Colors dispersed in a silicone compound are carefully mixed and applied to
the interior of the prosthesis in successive layers. Because the color is seen through the thin silicone membrane
it has the luminosity of real skin.
Fingernails
Finger nails are made separately of acrylics and have the same translucent qualities as the silicone skin.
Because the nails are individually colored before applying them to the fingers, an almost perfect match can be
achieved.
Durability
Since the prosthesis is painted / stained from the inside, the outer surface color resists wear.
Fabrication Time
The process takes approximately 16 weeks from the impression to completion.
The mold for a custom silicone restoration is fabricated from a life cast of the patients corresponding anatomy on
the uninjured side. This process allows a nearly exact match to the characteristics of the opposite side.
Coloring
The color is applied with the patient present to ensure a realistic match. The prosthetic device is fabricated of a
flexible, transparent silicone rubber. Colors dispersed in a silicone compound are carefully mixed and applied to
the interior of the prosthesis in successive layers. Because the color is seen through the thin silicone membrane
it has the luminosity of real skin.
Fingernails
Finger nails are made separately of acrylics and have the same translucent qualities as the silicone skin.
Because the nails are individually colored before applying them to the fingers, an almost perfect match can be
achieved.
Durability
Since the prosthesis is painted / stained from the inside, the outer surface color resists wear.
Fabrication Time
The process takes approximately 16 weeks from the impression to completion.
RSL Steeper
Molds
The mold for a custom silicone restoration is fabricated from a life cast of the patients corresponding anatomy on
the uninjured side. A silicone diagnostic socket is fabricated to ensure an exact fit.
Coloring
The patient's skin color is matched using silicone swatches and digital photographs. The color is permanently
impregnated into the silicone then layered to give the illusion of depth. By combining various colors and textures
an excellent match can be achieved.
Fingernails
Finger nails are made from the same silicone material as the prosthetic device. This provides excellent durability
and they can be painted when treated with a special solution.
Durability
Since the pigment is perminately stained into the silicone it resists fading.
Fabrication Time
The process takes approximately 8 weeks from the impression to completion.
The mold for a custom silicone restoration is fabricated from a life cast of the patients corresponding anatomy on
the uninjured side. A silicone diagnostic socket is fabricated to ensure an exact fit.
Coloring
The patient's skin color is matched using silicone swatches and digital photographs. The color is permanently
impregnated into the silicone then layered to give the illusion of depth. By combining various colors and textures
an excellent match can be achieved.
Fingernails
Finger nails are made from the same silicone material as the prosthetic device. This provides excellent durability
and they can be painted when treated with a special solution.
Durability
Since the pigment is perminately stained into the silicone it resists fading.
Fabrication Time
The process takes approximately 8 weeks from the impression to completion.
SILICONE RESTORATIONS
Alternative Prosthetic Services