The Clinical Application of an Upper Limb Custom Silicone Interface: Observations of a Case Study

Abstract

Silicone interfaces have played an important role in the prosthetics field over the last three decades. From suspension techniques to the enhancement of comfort and protection of atypical or diseased residual limbs, silicone provides unique and valuable benefits that have helped countless individuals regain functionality. Beyond the world of prosthetics, silicone has become a mainstay in wound management, scar maturation, and in the overall promotion of healing during occupational and physical therapy. Practitioners now recognize that silicone interfaces can protect fragile skin in extreme cases such as severe burns and extensive skin grafts. Clinically, as we incorporate custom silicone into the mainstream design of the “standard” upper-limb prosthesis, we are beginning to see unexpected and exciting benefits. Although not formally studied, clinical observation has shown that people wearing an upper-limb prosthesis that incorporates a custom silicone interface gain greater range of motion at the elbow and wrist, report increased comfort and better tolerances of aggressive socket design, and experience greater protection of fragile skin. A recent case study within our clinical setting highlights the positive effects of a custom silicone interface on a chronic wound and provides real observation of the benefits that the addition of this material to the prosthetic design can have on this patient population. (J Prosthet Orthot. 2009;21:120‐124.) KEY INDEXING TERMS: upper extremity, amputation, silicone, custom interface, prosthetics, wound healing, occupational therapy