Alternative Prosthetic Services Inc. is the national leader in custom silicone restoration. We are an on-site restoration service providing custom form-fitting silicone rubber prostheses for a variety of amputations. The prostheses that we create are highly realistic in appearance, replicating each patient's unique skin texture, color, and anatomy. APS distinguishes ourself from the competition by implementing the most comprehensive clinical care and artistic precision. Now celebrating our twentieth year, we work on a national level with patients in facilites through out the country.
APS works directly with the patient and practitioner through each phase of the process. We will travel to and work on-site at any certified prosthetic facility in the country. The presence of the patient is required for our staff to administer the highest level of realism and clinical care. The number and length of visits will vary based on each individual case, but our schedule usually consists of an initial consultation, a second visit for customized coloring, and a final visit for fitting and delivery.
We begin our process by individaully accessing each patient and taking a comprehensive set of measurements, impressions, and photographs. Impressions and measurements are taken from both the residual limb and the sound appendage. Using a quick cure silicone elasomer, the impression process is fast, accurate, and conveniently accomplished with no special facilities necessary.
Wax models are cast from the impressions. Using the physical characteristics of the sound appendage, an APS artist creates a mirror-image model which will be used to form the prosthesis. Measurements and models of the residual limb are utilized to ensure the precise fit of the finished device. Fine details from the patient's impressions are incorporated into the reversed model, giving the finished prosthesis an unmatched level of realism.
Once the sculpted model is complete, a final mold is created, which carries the same high level of detail. This mold is then used to cast a translucent high strength silicone rubber skin that contains all of the characteristics of the patient's own skin. The suppleness of the material allows for a precise suction fit. The flexibility of the silicone maintains a high range of motion, as not to limit any recovered function of a residual limb. The silicone skin is also extremely durable and will last for several years if proper care is taken.
Colors dispersed in a silicone compound are carefully mixed and applied to the interior of the glove in successive layers. The color is applied with the patient present to ensure a identical match. Because the color is seen through the thin silicone membrane it has the luminosity of real skin. Fingernails are made separately of acrylics and have the same translucent qualities as the silicone skin. The nails are also individually colored before applying them to the fingers, achieving the same high level of customization.
The color matched glove and fingernails are bonded together using a silicone injection method around the model of the residual limb. This technique creates an intimate, full contact suction fit. The fit is air tight, increasing the patient's confidence that the prosthesis will not lose suction and slide off.
Once the prosthesis is fully cured and thoroughly cleaned, the patient is fit with the completed prosthesis. APS staff will instruct the patient in proper donning and doffing methods of the device, wearing schedule, and maintenance. When the patient is comfortable and the patient's questions have been fully answered by APS, they may leave with the prosthesis.
The prostheses we provide are very durable and are made to be worn on a daily basis. Discretion should be used when faced with vocational and recreational situations that may damage the device. We recommend that patients follow the instructions listed below. Negligence may lead to a shortened life of the prosthesis.
Contact with petroleum and oil products should be avoided whenever possible. These include cooking oils, cosmetic oils, motor oils, body oils, and certain types of lotion. The oils in these and all oil products will discolor and weaken the silicone over time. Be sure to only use the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lotion that we provide. Oils may be cleaned off the prosthesis with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol.
Liquid soap will act as an oil and absorb into the silicone. The oil and fragance from these soaps will permeate into the silicone and discolor and weaken it over time. The prosthesis may be cleaned with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol if liquid soaps are used.
Newspaper ink and any other printing inks will adhere to the prosthesis, but can easily be removed with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Inks and dyes left on the prosthesis for an extended period of time will require a thorough soaking in alcohol.
All nail polish may be used to paint the prosthetic fingernails, but only Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover may be used to remove the nail polish. Any remover containing Acetone will destroy the prosthetic fingernail.
The silicone skin on the prosthesis is heat-cured. This type of silicone rubber is highly heat resistant and will not scorch or melt like a counterpart made from vinyl or latex. The silicone will retain heat absorbed from a source and may cause a burn to the patient if they do not remove the device.
LOTION
APS provides Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lotion with every prosthesis delivered. This is the only product we recommend for use in donning the prosthesis. The lotion is both oil and fragrance free. Using this lotion and rituallly cleaning the device with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol will help get the maximum life out of the prosthesis.
CLEANING
After removing the prosthesis every night, it should be cleaned thoroughly by rinsing it with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Both the inside and outside of the prosthesis should be rinsed and wiped clean. The alcohol will eliminate any residue or odor caused by perspiration and oils secreted from the body. We also recommend soaking the prosthesis over night in alcohol for a minimum of once a week. This will allow for more contaminants to be removed and to help maintain the original color of the prosthesis. *Note (Do not submerge the nails while complying with this step! Submerging the nails in alcohol will begin to break them down.)
aps.caresheet.hand.pdf
aps.caresheet.finger.pdf
aps.caresheet.myohand.pdf
aps.care.wearsheet.foot.pdf
Your prosthesis is covered by APS for any repairs till it is time for a new device. If any damage occurrs to the prosthesis that warrants repair, please contact us immediately. We will repair any damage and advise whether a new prosthesis may be needed depending on age and wear. *Note (Do not attempt to repair the prosthesis yourself!)
APS has worked nationwide, from small intimate facilities in Bangor, ME to large institutions like the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. We can travel to and work with any certified prosthetic and/or orthopedic lab in the country. Please click on any of the tabs to locate an office near you or contact your current prosthetic and/or orthopedic lab and request us if they are not listed.
Note that we always look forward to forging relationships with new laboratories and patients in any part of the United States and abroad.
Alternative Prosthetic Services 2010.pdf
Michael T. Curtin
President & CEO
Robert Rubino
Vice President & Officer of Operations
Sean Curtin
Vice President & Officer of Production
Deborah Hall
Office Manager
Brad Conant
Manager of Purchases
& Repairs
Alternative Prosthetic Services Inc.
191 Bennett Street
Bridgeport, CT 06605-2902
p: 203.367.1212
f: 203.367.1213
e: info[at]alternativeprosthetics.com
