Lost just the nail area of your thumb? Why we made a full-finger prosthesis
Even when less than one joint is lost, a full-finger design can suit a thumb that is naturally short. Our customer asked for the prosthesis to be slightly shorter than the other thumb, so we compared length and thickness carefully at the check-socket stage. However small the area, the process is the same: three standard visits.
Why did our customer come to us?
Our customer lost the tip of one thumb, where the nail was, in an accident at work. Not wanting to worry their family, they looked for a way to keep the injury from showing and came to us for a consultation. Because it happened at work, it was handled under Korea's industrial accident compensation insurance (the state scheme for work injuries), and their employer covered the cost.
Just the nail area was lost — so why a full-finger design?
Finger prostheses broadly come in two forms: a single-segment type that fits over the end of the remaining finger, and a full-finger type that covers the whole digit. Looking at the length lost alone, a single-segment type seems the obvious choice. But this thumb was naturally on the short side, so rather than add a small cap to a short thumb, we judged that covering the whole thumb would suit it better.
| Situation or request | How we reflected it |
|---|---|
| Nail area lost; naturally short thumb | Full-finger design |
| Slightly shorter than the other thumb | Length and thickness compared side by side at the check socket |
| Nail shape | Moulded from the other thumbnail; patented nail-making method |
| Skin and nail colour | Measured digitally with E-SKIN (SPECTROMATCH, UK) |
| Creases | Copied from a mould of the other thumb |
How did we make it shorter than the other thumb?
Our customer preferred a thumb a little shorter than the matching one, rather than identical. At the second visit, using the check socket (a trial version worn before the final prosthesis is made), we held its length and thickness against the other thumb and checked them thoroughly. Much like a tailor's fitting, this is the stage where the feel you want is settled before the final piece is made.
How were the nail and skin tone matched?
We took a mould of the other thumbnail and made the nail with our patented nail-making method. The colour of the skin and nail was measured digitally with E-SKIN, and pigments were mixed to that reading. Because the shape is also taken from the other hand, even the fine creases at each joint carry over to the prosthesis.
When the finished thumb arrived, our customer said it looked far more natural than expected. We aim for a result that is difficult to tell apart from a real finger, but results vary from person to person. Before-and-after photos are taken under the same conditions, with a standard colour chart and no retouching.
Are three visits needed even for a small area?
Yes. A small affected area does not mean skipping the consultation or the checks.
- Visit 1 — consultation, moulds of the affected area and the other hand, and skin-tone measurement.
- Visit 2 — the check socket, to confirm length, thickness and comfort and talk through any changes.
- Visit 3 — you try on the finished prosthesis and we look for any final touches. The colour may be adjusted slightly to suit your skin on the day, and we explain use and care.
From consultation to delivery takes about 4–6 weeks (1–2 weeks with express production); fabrication of a finger alone takes 7–10 days. If you are travelling to Korea, tell us your dates at the online consultation so we can plan the visits around them.
Frequently asked questions
Can a prosthesis be made if just the nail area is lost?
Yes. We look at the length and shape of the remaining finger and decide with you whether a single-segment or full-finger design suits it.
Can the prosthesis be a different length from my other finger?
Yes. At the check-socket stage we compare length and thickness with your other finger and adjust to your preference.
Do I really need three visits for such a small area?
The standard process is three visits whatever the size: casting, a check-socket fitting and delivery of the finished prosthesis.
How is the nail made?
We take a mould of the matching nail on your other hand and make it with our patented nail-making method.
