Benefits and use of digital prostheses

Abstract

This study examines our clinical experience of fitting 136 digital prostheses in 90 patients. The careful selection of patients, especially concerning their expectations, is the single most important factor for successful prosthetic development for physically suitable candidates. Whether continued disability is due to physical loss or to its emotional impact, the socioeconomic consequences are similar, so attention to both is required. In a review of 30 patients fitted with digital prostheses after a minimum follow-up time of 2 years, it was found that 22 (73%) used their prostheses daily and another 7 (23%) used them intermittently according to the occasion. Thus, a total of 29 (97%) of those fitted with our digital prosthesis continued to use them after 2 years. Technical problems, such as loose fit and perspiration, resulted in 7 (23%) of the patients using the prostheses only occasionally. Fitting a prosthesis goes beyond aesthetics, and our study confirmed that digital prostheses, if of high quality, can alone or in conjunction with appropriate surgical reconstructions restore near normal appearance and form, substantially repair damaged body image, and simultaneously improve physical capability.