Lost your middle and ring fingers? How a finger prosthesis is made for two fingers
Even when two neighbouring fingers are affected — here, the tip of the middle finger and two joints of the ring finger — a prosthesis can be made for each finger to the extent it needs, a fingertip type and a full-finger type, worn together. Because the remaining bone at the tip was curved, we adjusted the shape several times with our customer at the check-socket stage. We aim for a result that is difficult to tell apart from a real hand, but results vary from person to person.
Who was our customer?
Our customer lost the tip of the middle finger and two joints of the ring finger on one hand in an accident in childhood, and had never worn a prosthesis in all the years since. A family member came across silicone finger prostheses in a video, and they came to the consultation together.
What if the affected finger is curved?
In this case, the remaining bone at the tip curved to one side. Following that angle exactly would have made the finger point in an awkward direction, so it was not a simple fit.
At the check-socket stage (a temporary trial fitting before the final prosthesis), we adjusted the shape and direction two or three times, talking it through with our customer each time. Only once both our technician and our customer were happy with the shape did we make the final prostheses.
Fingertip type or full-finger type — what is the difference?
| Fingertip type | Full-finger type | |
|---|---|---|
| In this case | Middle finger | Ring finger |
| Coverage | Replaces the missing tip | Covers the whole finger |
| Where the edge sits | Partway along the remaining finger | Near the base of the finger |
Which type suits you depends on how much of the finger remains and the condition of the affected area; we decide together in the consultation.
What if the edge of the prosthesis bothers you?
The edge (or trim line) is where the prosthesis ends. Here we made the edge of the ring-finger prosthesis thin and natural, so it is hard to spot even when left uncovered.
If it still bothers you, or you would like an even more natural look, we suggest wearing a ring over the edge. It can also simply bring peace of mind.
How are skin tone and nails matched?
- Skin tone — an E-SKIN scanner (SPECTROMATCH, UK) measures your skin tone digitally, and custom pigments are mixed from that reading.
- Nails — made with our patented nail-making method, using your other hand as the reference.
- Material — medical-grade silicone from Technovent (UK), for whom we are the exclusive partner in Korea.
How long does it take, and how many visits?
The standard process is three visits: moulds of your affected area and other hand plus skin-tone measurement, then a check-socket fitting to confirm the shape, then delivery of the finished prosthesis. If the check socket needs several rounds of adjustment, as it did here, there may be extra short visits. Fabrication alone takes 7–10 days for a finger; from consultation to delivery takes about 4–6 weeks, or 1–2 weeks with express production.
And after delivery?
The family member who came along was delighted to see the finished fingers, and promised to be the one to arrange the next pair when the time comes. Silicone prostheses can wear with daily use, so we provide after-sales support while you use them, and if a repair is not possible we will guide you through a remake. Because your production records are kept, a remake does not start from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make prostheses for two fingers at once?
Yes. Each finger gets its own prosthesis, made to the extent it needs, and they are worn together. In this case the middle finger had a fingertip type and the ring finger a full-finger type.
What if the bone in my affected finger is curved?
It can still be done. Following a curve exactly can look awkward, so we adjust the shape and direction several times at the check-socket stage.
Will the edge of the prosthesis show?
We make the edge thin and natural so it is hard to spot even uncovered. If it still bothers you, a ring worn over the edge is an easy option.
If I need a new one later, do I start from scratch?
No. We keep your production records, so a remake does not start from zero. We also provide after-sales support while you use your prosthesis, and guide you through a remake if a repair is not possible.
