This study was undertaken to design an updated connection system for an eyeglass-supported nasal prosthesis using rapid prototyping techniques. The substructure was developed with two main endpoints in mind: the connection to the silicone and the connection to the eyeglasses. The mold design was also updated; the mold was composed of various parts, each carefully designed to allow for easy rele...

This paper describes a prosthesis for patients who have had a partial amputation of the hand, or who have congenital absence of all or part of the hand. The prosthesis incorporates a new concept whereby the grip is operated by flexion and extension of the wrist. A covering for the prosthesis has been developed using a silicone polymer which produces a lifelike flexible glove. Thirteen patients ...

The objective of this report is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an iris prosthesis to treat a refractory glaucoma induced by silicone oil in the anterior chamber. This case is about a patient who suffered a trauma caused by firearm shrapnel. A vitreous-retinal surgery was performed to remove intraocular foreign matter and to realign the retina that was detached. Due to the partial traumatic...

Removal of an eye may be indicated in cases of congenital abnormality, severe trauma, or disease such as an infection, tumor, or malignancy. The disfigurement associated with a loss of an eye is often accompanied with physical problems, psychological trauma, and a poor quality of life. A prosthetic replacement is the treatment of choice to return the individual to his normal vocation by produci...

The fungal discolouration of silicone rubber prostheses is reported in four cases. In two of the cases, the discolouration was caused by the fungus Candida tropicalis. In the other two cases, two different fungal organisms, namely Trichoderma sp. and Scedosporium prolificans were incriminated. The non-porous silicone rubber layers create an enclosed environment in the suction cup of the prosthe...

Van We issenbruch, R. Vo ice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy Vo ice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy using the ProvoxTM voice prosthesis Chemoprophylaxis of fungal deterioration of the Provox™ silicone tracheoesophageal prosthesis in postlaryngectomy patients Deterioration of the ProvoxTM tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis: microbial aspects and structural changes Cineradiography...

The hand has basic functions like grasping and feeling. It is also a mean of communication and is of major importance for body language and social contact. Injuries to the fingers can occur in accidents at home, work, or play. Finger and partial finger amputations are some of the most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss which causes devastating physical, psychosocial and economic ...

Every year the Italian National Insurance Institute of Accidents on Work (INAIL) Prosthesis Centre manufactures more than 300 silicone cosmetic upper-limb prostheses that are aesthetically similar to patients' missing limbs; however, the prostheses have the following drawbacks: subjectivity in color choice, high production costs, and long time frames for patient tests and prosthesis production....