Background:Partial-hand amputations are the most common level of upper-limb amputations which can lead to cosmetic and functional problems. Partial-hand amputations can be acquired or congenital. Cosmetic silicone prostheses are used in the management of partial-hand amputation; however, a literature review shows that most of the studies are on the fabrication of prosthesis, and data remain deficient on the satisfaction of users with silicone prostheses.Objectives:To assess the satisfaction of individuals after they were fitted with cosmetic silicone prostheses for partial-hand amputations.Study design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:Fifty-four participants with partial-hand amputations and who received cosmetic silicone prostheses participated in the survey using the validated Arabic version of the Client Satisfaction with Device (CSD-Ar).Results:Nearly half of the participants were using their silicone prosthesis daily. Most of the patients reported satisfaction with durability and donning, whereas most of the patients were dissatisfied with comfort. The mean of CSD-Ar total score was 16.8 ± 4.7 of 32. The CSD-Ar total score was significantly associated with the side of amputation (p-value = 0.014) and usage of prosthesis (p-value < 0.001).Conclusion:The satisfaction of individuals with partial-hand amputations can be enhanced by fitting them with cosmetic silicone prostheses. However, these prostheses should meet certain criteria including fitting, weight, comfort, donning, appearance, durability, skin abrasion and irritation, and pain. Individuals' expectations and concerns should be considered as well.

Background:Changes in residuum volume are a common problem in lower-limb amputees during prosthesis usage, and can lead to poor suspension, impaired gait, and tissue damage. Residuum volume can be affected by the in-socket air pressure, which will influence fluid flow in and around the residuum. The use of “active” pumps to reduce air pressure has been shown to conserve the residuum volume, but these are expensive and unlikely to be widely available. An alternative, passive approach, based on Boyles' law, is to introduce a larger distal void volume at the end of the socket and hence reduce the change in pressure for a given change in volume.Objectives:To compare the performance across three test conditions (passive—conventional, with standard distal void; passive—with increased distal void; and active system) in terms of residuum volume changes and comfort.Study design:Repeated-measures experiment under three test conditions.Methods:Five transtibial amputee participants (three males and two females), aged between 27 and 67 years, and of mobility grade K2 or K3, were fitted with a bespoke test prosthesis that was adapted to include the three test conditions. Residuum volume was measured before and after walking under each test condition (presented in a random order). Comfort was also assessed after walking with each test condition.Results:The reduction in residuum volume, relative to the baseline volume, was higher for the conventional passive system (4.2% ± 2.8%) compared with the modified passive (1.4% ± 1.4%) and active (1.6% ± 1.1%) systems.Conclusion:The use of a passive suspension system with an increased distal void within the socket may help to stabilize the residuum volume during prosthesis usage.