How to apply the thermoplastic glove
To the left you can see a single finger thermoplastic cover. The steps to apply a two, three or four finger glove is the same as a one finger glove.
First, apply your X-Finger assembly. Then pull the thermoplastic cover over the device.
Pull the flap towards the fingertips as shown.
Put all of the fingertips together, including the thumb as shown. Then push all five fingers through the hole.
Here is a side view of the fingers being pushed through the hole.
Pull the section with a hole back to the wrist as shown. The portion of the glove with a hole is pulled back to become a wrist strap. This flap will often be twisted as shown.
Simply flip the wrist strap to allow the cover to lay flat against the hand as shown.
This is what the cover looks like when properly placed on the hand.
Silicone vs Thermoplastic
Above you can see two types of finger prostheses. The first prosthesis, labeled A, is fabricated from silicone; and commonly used for cosmetic silicone prosthesis. The second prosthesis labeled B is fabricated from thermoplastic and is the material we use to cover X-Fingers. Both materials offer advantages over one another depending on ones particular needs. For example, silicone prostheses can be painted to closely match various skin tones. This makes silicone the appropriate choice if aesthetics is a primary concern over function. Silicone looks incredibly realistic, but tears quite easily when made to be as soft as thermoplastic. An advantage of thermoplastic is that it matches the softness of human skin and is extremely strong; even though it is soft and can be easily stretched to several times its length. Beyond comfort, thermoplastic offers a functional benefit as well when being used to cover body-powered prosthesis. This is due to the fact that the overall strength of a body-powered device is based on the strength of the user controlling the device. Any force needed to flex a cover must be deducted from the overall strength; therefore the softer the cover the stronger the grip.
After several years of experimenting with various materials, Didrick Medical has developed a supple yet durable generic cover for the X-Finger. The patented thermoplastic glove has been formulated to match the softness of human skin and feels pleasant to the touch. The gloves offer a supple barrier between the elements the device may come into contact with and the components of the device. Silicone can be formulated to be as soft as thermoplastic, but also tears too easily at this durometer whereas thermoplastic is extremely resistant to tearing. Currently no other material surpasses the elongation and softness of thermoplastic in a skin-like material.
After several years of experimenting with various materials, Didrick Medical has developed a supple yet durable generic cover for the X-Finger. The patented thermoplastic glove has been formulated to match the softness of human skin and feels pleasant to the touch. The gloves offer a supple barrier between the elements the device may come into contact with and the components of the device. Silicone can be formulated to be as soft as thermoplastic, but also tears too easily at this durometer whereas thermoplastic is extremely resistant to tearing. Currently no other material surpasses the elongation and softness of thermoplastic in a skin-like material.
If you or your patient is primarily interested in aesthetics, we would suggest you order a custom cosmetic silicone finger. If you or your patient is primarily interested in restoring function, the X-Finger, is most likely the appropriate choice. While we are continuously working to combine the best of both worlds, until we are able to do so, each patient must determine their specific needs and determine which product available offers the specific benefits they desire. Please contact us for more information regarding the fabrication of X-Fingers or silicone cosmetic fingers. As always, listen to your patients’ specific needs and together you will be able to determine the appropriate direction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for more information. Unlike many companies, our primary concern is your patient’s satisfaction. We will gladly steer you in a more appropriate direction if we believe your patient desires something we do not produce.