Proper Cleaning Extends the Life of Silicone Prostheses!

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Health Services Vocational School (SHMYO) Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics program organized an event titled “Silicone Use in the Field of Prosthetics” as part of April 30th Prosthetists and Orthotists Day. Expert Orthotist Prosthetist Yasemin Şafak participated as a speaker at the event. Şafak provided information about silicone and emphasized that proper cleaning extends the life of silicone prostheses. 

The moderation of the highly-attended event was carried out by Lect. Kübra Akkalay, Head of SHMYO Orthopedic Prosthetics and Orthotics Program.

“Proper cleaning extends the life of silicone prostheses”

Expert Orthotist Prosthetist Yasemin Şafak, who touched upon the fact that proper cleaning extends the life of silicone prostheses during the seminar, stated: “Silicone is the rehabilitation of prostheses, therefore the first year is quite important. Since prostheses do not involve functionality, training is not required, but we should inform patients about care and cleaning. Proper cleaning extends the life of silicone prostheses.” 

“Silicone material is the most compatible material with human skin” 

Emphasizing that silicones should be made by looking at the patient's past photographs, Şafak said; “Silicone material is the most compatible material with human skin. It is heat resistant and can be colored. It is a material resistant to various destructive factors. There should be a multidisciplinary approach in silicone prosthesis production. We must work together with surgeons. It should be made according to the patient's past photographs.”

“Swimming is possible with silicone prostheses”

Speaking about the advantages of silicone prostheses, Şafak said; “Prostheses are custom-made, prepared according to the person's skin tone, nails can be added, hair and veins can be made, especially for female patients, jewelry can be worn, they are lightweight, dirt-repellent, easy to clean, and swimming is possible with silicone prostheses.”

“Determining the patient's skin tone is essential…”

Speaking about the requirements for silicone prosthesis use, Şafak said; “Trauma, tumors, vascular diseases, congenital anomalies. Nose, eye, ear, finger, etc., are designed to match the patient's lost limb. A stump length of 1.5 cm is required to make a silicone finger prosthesis. Otherwise, we make a partial hand/foot. Determining the patient's skin tone is essential. We must determine the base color. We can determine how much paint to use with a color measuring device.”

The event concluded with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation and a group photo session.