Various Techniques of Mechanical Retention in Hand Prostheses and Complex Finger Prostheses: A Case Series

The hand is associated with both form and function. The loss of a body part, such as a finger or a partial hand, has a profound psychological impact on the patient and significantly reduces their quality of life. A precisely fitting hand prosthesis or complex finger prosthesis can significantly improve function by restoring esthetics, normal length, and function to a great extent, as well as protecting the remnant sensitive stump (if lost due to amputation). Based on their functional capabilities, several types of hand prostheses can be designed, including passive, externally powered, hybrid, and bionic. An implant hand prosthesis is also an option, as it provides a more secure retentive fit. A passive prosthesis is purely cosmetic and does not offer any movement but can be used to stabilize or, at times, carry objects, which could mean a great deal to a person. Most patients prefer the simple glove-type prosthesis with a soft inner lining, primarily driven by affordability, which is held in place by various mechanical retentive means that aid in both function and cosmetic appearance. This article presents a case series of partial/complete hand prostheses. The uniqueness of this case series lies in the fact that various mechanical retentive methods are employed in each case type to achieve both function and appearance. The first case involves a complete hand prosthesis fabricated as a 'hollow' glove-type hand prosthesis, which aims to reduce the weight and, consequently, the cost of the prosthesis. The other case reports involve complex finger prosthesis cases with mechanical aids, such as finger rings and silicone linings, which provide improved comfort and acceptance. It also enables the colour matching of the dorsal and ventral surfaces separately, so that the prosthetic form, colouration, and texture are as indiscernible as possible from the surrounding tissues.