Cost effective cosmetic prosthesis for lost digits

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Prosthetics Engineering

Background:

• Leprosy and traumatic injuries can result in digit loss, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life.
• Current prosthetic solutions, such as silicone prostheses, can be prohibitively expensive for many patients.
• There is a need for affordable and accessible prosthetic options to address digit loss.

Observation:

• The study explores the use of liquid latex as a material for fabricating cosmetic prostheses.
• Liquid latex presents a viable alternative to traditional, high-cost materials like silicone.
• The process focuses on creating a low-cost, functional, and aesthetically acceptable prosthetic device.

Findings:

• Liquid latex can be effectively utilized to create low-cost cosmetic prostheses for digit loss.
• This material offers a practical and affordable alternative for patients who cannot access silicone prostheses.
• The resulting prostheses can help mitigate the negative functional and psychological effects of losing a digit.

Implications:

• This approach democratizes access to prosthetic solutions for digit loss, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Liquid latex prostheses can improve patient outcomes by restoring function and enhancing psychological well-being.
• Further research into optimizing liquid latex for prosthetic applications could lead to wider adoption.