BENEFITS AND USE OF DIGITAL PROSTHESES

This study examines our clinical experience of fitting 136 digital pro stheses 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 emotio nal impact, the socioeconomic consequences are similar, so attention t o both is required. In a review of 30 patients fitted with digital pro stheses after a minimum follow-up time of 2 years, it was found that 2 2 (73%) used their prostheses daily and another 7 (23%) used them inte rmittently according to the occasion. Thus, a total of 29 (97%) of tho se fitted with our digital prosthesis continued to use them after 2 ye ars. Technical problems, such as loose fit and perspiration, resulted in 7 (23%) of the patients using the prostheses only occasionally. Fit ting a prosthesis goes beyond aesthetics, and our study confirmed that digital prostheses, if of high quality, can alone or in conjunction w ith appropriate surgical reconstructions restore near normal appearanc e and form, substantially repair damaged body image, and simultaneousl y improve physical capability.