Let's dive into the transformative world of custom silicone finger prostheses at Functional Restorations. When it comes to finger amputation or loss, the journey is not just physical but also emotional. Let's explore how our prostheses can empower you to resume everyday tasks and rediscover the possibilities that lie ahead.

Safety First: The Protection You Need
The finger's surgery site is often extremely sensitive, even after it is healed. Our custom silicone finger prostheses act as a shield, providing a protective and comfortable cushioning effect. A single prosthesis often includes multiple types of silicone, each varying in their cushioning properties. We believe that feeling secure is a crucial part of your recovery journey.

Natural Extension: Seamlessly Yours
Picture a prosthesis that extends from your existing finger, blending in to your own anatomy. At Functional Restorations, we're all about creating prosthetics that feel natural to you. Our goal is to boost your confidence and help you feel at home in your own skin.

Getting a Grip on Life: Regaining Control
Regaining control over your life is at the heart of our mission. Our prostheses are carefully designed to enhance your grip and dexterity, making everyday tasks a breeze. Whether it's typing, picking up small objects, or performing other fine motor skills, we've got you covered.

Ready to Take the Leap?
If you're ready to embark on a journey of rediscovery, reach out to us at 919-802-8020 to schedule a free consultation at our office in Durham, North Carolina. Let's chat about your path to functional and emotionally satisfying finger restoration. Functional Restorations is here to help you embrace the possibilities that await.

Advancements in prosthetic technology are transforming the way we restore not just visual symmetry but also biomechanical functionality. At Functional Restorations, we understand that achieving the perfect fit in a custom silicone partial foot prosthesis goes beyond visual restoration. In this blog, we delve into the significance of ensuring an optimal fit through the use of diagnostic sockets, the integration of orthopedic corrections, and the biomechanical considerations that shape our approach.

The Role of Diagnostic Sockets

A diagnostic socket serves as the foundation for creating a customized silicone partial foot prosthesis. This crucial step involves evaluating not only the visual symmetry but also the functional aspects such as fit, ankle alignment, and energy return. At Functional Restorations, our commitment to precision starts at this stage, where we carefully assess the biomechanics of the patient to ensure a seamless integration with their unique gait requirements.

Integrating Orthopedic Corrections

Our focus extends to integrating orthopedic corrections into the prosthetic design. This innovative approach addresses not only the appearance of the prosthesis but also supports the patient in achieving improved alignment, balance, and overall functionality. By considering the orthopedic needs of each individual, we enhance the overall effectiveness and comfort of the prosthetic device.

The Finishing Touch

Once proper fit and function are achieved at the diagnostic socket stage, we progress to the finishing stage. Depending on the desired level of realism, this could involve a single pigment color match or the meticulous hand sculpture and painting of an extremely realistic final prosthesis. Our attention to detail ensures that the prosthesis meets the functional and emotional needs of the user.

Recently, we were thrilled to take part in an another in-person collaboration with Bio-Tech Prosthetics & Orthotics in Durham, North Carolina. Anaplastology, a specialized branch of prosthetics, involves high-detail prosthetic restoration of missing anatomy. Anaplastologists are skilled in obtaining accurate impressions and fine-detail positive models of the affected residuum, which can help to ensure the best outcome in the final fitting of the PIPDriver, MCPDriver, and ThumbDriver by Naked Prosthetics. In essence, an anaplastologist's input is a valuable resource in the production of body-driven functional finger prostheses.  

With therapy and increased use, we anticipate the patient's grip strength to increase  and for him to achieve more fluid and effective movements of his prosthesis. 

Naked Prosthetics offers a unique prosthetic option that allows for body-driven active function after finger amputation. The devices have come a long way. Their design is sturdy, streamlined and easy to articulate. For these devices, 'function' is the focus, rather than 'realism'. It is possible, however, to address both of these needs in a single case.​

In this case, the patient also received a high realism custom silicone finger, which he wears for more social and casual events. The silicone finger offers passive function only - providing protection, restored extension and proprioception. 

Virtual and in-person consultation is a great way for prosthetists to collaborate with us and, to that end, offer more options to their patients.

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Every patient is unique, with varying functional, emotional, and financial needs. Regardless of the desired level of realism, the functional benefits of our custom silicone prostheses are clear. 

Our functional prostheses offer unparalleled functionality without a focus on realism. This type of prosthesis is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, and does not require any unlisted HCPCS codes.  

We fabricate our silicone prostheses using high consistency silicone, which offers greater stretch and will return to its original shape without distortion. In this image example, the prosthesis was designed for a patient who presents with congenital partial foot amputation at the transmetatarsal level. The end of the residuum is bulbous and, as a result, the patient historically required a zipper-type prosthesis. ​

Because of its stretch capabilities and high tear resistance, or tensile strength, the patient is able to fit into this prosthesis without a zipper-type enclosure. The silicone successfully returns to its normal shape once it is slipped on, without distortion. 

By using high consistency silicone, we are able to incorporate multiple durometers, or firmness, of silicone material into the prosthesis. Sensitive areas are cradled by softer silicone, while areas of orthotic correction and support are firmer. Our concentration on pedorthic health means that we are uniquely focused on biomechanical gait normalization, regardless of the aesthetic finishing. 

Aesthetic finishing isn't one-size-fits-all. Our basic realism allows patients and providers to work together to create a unique aesthetic solution. The basic realism option offers moderate sculpture details and the color is based on the provider's color swatch matches.

Our high realism option integrates extreme sculptural details, like wrinkles, pores, and fingerprints, and multiple colors based on color swatch selection. Still, our attention to realistic detail does not detract from our ultimate outcome of normalizing anatomical function and preserving the integrity of the residuum.  

When considering aesthetic finishing of a custom silicone prosthesis, you are factoring in the patients' preferences and funding resources. The benefit of offering varying levels of realism is that you can now better meet your patients' emotional and financial needs.