Human beings rely heavily on their hands for a wide variety of daily activities. Losing a hand, whether due to congenital problems or acute trauma, can be an extremely trying experience. Everyone responds to the amputation or unintended loss of a limb differently, but almost all patients have one thing in common: they want to regain as much function as possible. With a Prosthetic Hand in Columbus OH, a patient can replace at least some level of appearance and function of the missing extremity.
When choosing a prosthesis, it’s important to consider what activities a patient wants to focus on. Specialized hand prostheses are available to facilitate playing sports, holding various objects, and even playing guitar. Others are designed to look as much as possible like a patient’s natural hand. Most patients opt to have at least one prosthesis created to mimic the appearance of a hand, although others can also be fitted for specialized use, and changed out when necessary.
Custom hand prostheses are designed using an impression cast from a patient’s other, undamaged, extremity. A cast will also be taken of the residual limb. The prosthesis will be created out of flexible and transparent silicone, and its color matched carefully to an individual patient’s skin tone. When the process is complete, the patient should be left with a Prosthetic Hand in Columbus OH that matches the texture and color of their own skin. Fingernails can also be colored to match those on a patient’s existing hand.
Often doctors suggest a three month waiting period after surgery before beginning the process of fitting a prosthesis. This is to ensure that the wound is completely healed, and no residual swelling is present. This time also gives patients the opportunity to come to terms with the emotional impact of losing a limb, and to make important decisions about what prosthesis or prostheses are best suited to provide for their needs.
Depending on the location of the amputation, a full arm prosthesis might be a better fit for some patients. Conferring with a specialist is essential throughout the process of choosing and fitting a new prosthetic hand. Contact Capital Prosthetic & Orthotic Center Inc for information about local specialists that can help.
