Prosthetic ear

'A soft plastic prosthetic ear and the cast on which it was made'

skullcap
'A titanium skullcap, which will be implanted after initial surgery'

How are prostheses made?

All prostheses and appliances are fashioned on a cast taken from a mould of the patient.

What are they made from?

Depending on the type of prosthesis, the materials used include soft and hard plastics and modern metals such as titanium.

Training and after care

Once a prosthesis has been finished, the patient is instructed in its use, care and maintenance.

When should prostheses be worn?

You will be given advice about when you should and should not wear your prosthesis. In general, you should remove all removable prostheses at night to allow the tissue surrounding them to 'breathe' and, therefore, help it remain healthy.

Can I wear my prosthesis when I take part in sport?

Those prostheses that are retained using an adhesive or are anchored by bone are designed to be worn only for normal daily activities. For bone-anchored prostheses, they can often be worn for 'low impact' sports such as swimming. If you are in any doubt, please speak to your surgeon or the technologist.

Photos by Medical Photography

How should I care for my prosthesis?

You will be given advice about how to care for your prosthesis. In general, you should clean the prosthesis regularly under warm water using a mild detergent and a soft brush. If it has fine edges, you will find that they are quite delicate and should be treated with great care. You must avoid using sharp implements, abrasive powders or cleaners containing bleaching agents.

How do I remove 'old glue'?

Some prostheses are retained using special adhesive (glue). You will be shown how to remove the old adhesive from your prosthesis. In general, it is easier to remove old glue if you allow it to dry on the prosthesis overnight and then gently rub it away with your finger.

How long do prostheses usually last?

The typical lifetime of a prosthesis is about 18 months but they can last for longer than two years. How long a prosthesis will last depends on several factors including:

  • What type it is
    Both silicone and acrylic prostheses are sensitive to the environment in which they find themselves.

  • For how long you have been wearing a prosthesis
    For the first few months after surgery, the tissues underneath the prosthesis tend to change shape. After two years, they tend to be stable.

  • How much wear it has had and how well it has been looked after

  • Whether it has been exposed to smoking
    Smoking cigarettes etc can turn prostheses yellow.

  • Other environmental factors
    If you have worn the prosthesis in a dirty or oily environment, this can affect it.

  • Weight gain or loss.
    This has been known to affect the fit of a prosthesis.

Also on this website:

 
Last updated: 1 February 2005
Back to top