Prosthetic substitution for fingernails.

The loss of a fingernail is remarkably disturbing to many patients. Despite all efforts, surgical methods of replacement have not proven to be very satisfactory. Like artificial eyes, techniques for making an artificial fingernail of good likeness have been available for many years. The problem has been a satisfactory method of attaching the artificial fingernail to the digit and eventually that of making the artificial nail sufficiently thin. While no perfect solution exists, the development of a "submini" digital prosthesis that covers only the distal phalanx offers the best available solution. Only if the prosthesis is custom developed and fabricated to the very highest standards will the potential be realized. Repair will be required occasionally, so assured availability of prompt and reliable maintenance services is most important. When there has been loss of tissues from the distal phalanx, the prosthesis can also help with that problem. Finally, the prosthesis has the advantage of inflicting no scars or other irreversible measures.