COLOUR-MATCHING IN HAND AND FINGER PROSTHESES: THE ASIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The wide range of skin tones in the Asian population presents a challenge when colour-matching hand and finger prostheses. It requires that the prostheses be custom-made to better match the wide variations. We have developed a finger and hand prosthesis using a multi-layered moulding technique incorporating a colour-matching procedure capable of reproducing the colour tones and life-like appearance of the skin. Between 1990–1994, we have fitted these prostheses to a total of 109 patients. In evaluating the colour-match of their prostheses, 84% of the patients fitted with hand prostheses and 78% of those fitted with finger prostheses had a good to excellent match. This paper discusses some of the challenges we face in colour-matching hand and finger prostheses in the Asian population.