Anaplastology

The artificial body serves the aesthetic balance of body defects with foreign body material such as glass, porcelain, rubber, metal or plastic. The term derives from the Greek and literally means " the patch ".

In contrast to the prosthetics and orthotics, which mainly replace lost limbs or support their function, are esthetic aspects and dimensions of social inclusion in the foreground with the prostheses.

Applications

The main application of prostheses is the facial area, for example, if after accidents, war injuries or tumor surgery, a surgical reconstruction with autologous tissue is not possible or would not bring satisfactory results because, complex structures such as the nose, eyelids or ear reproduce almost lifelike surgically.

But also for aesthetic reconstruction of the female breast, or finger prostheses to be used when other methods are not possible or not desired.

History

First indications Epithesenanwendung can already be found at the time of the ancient Egyptians. Pictorial representations are known only from the 16th century. In this period also the first mention of falls in the medical literature. After drawings of the surgeon Paré they were manufactured or sizes and thus the defect hardly adapted form in standard form and tied with threads around the head. Orbital or against ear prostheses were anchored by means of springs in the cavity.

The beginning of modern epithetics can be traced to the late 18th century. The Parisian dentist Nicolas Dubois de Chemant (1753-1824) made ​​of obturators, teeth, chin, and nose prostheses made ​​of porcelain.

In the following years, rubber prostheses were developed, which were shaped and colored multilayer process on a plaster model. From 1869 we tested the light and well shapeable celluloid and later aluminum. In 1913, came gelatin prostheses application that had to renew the patient, however, daily using a mold.

PVC and PMMA later and silicones have been used since 1945 as materials. Through their good form and carrier properties and their high aesthetics they displaced almost abruptly all materials known to date.

Modern computer technology allows since the mid-1990s the production hochverfeinerter and miniaturized mobile prostheses. However, is this method of preparation nor does it constitute an exception

Mounting and maintenance of epithesis

Epitheses fit either by their shape the body defect and adhere there by themselves, or they are mechanically anchored by implanted into the bone metal pins that stick out like small posts from the skin. At this post, the artificial body is attached by snaps, ribs, clamps or magnets.

The choice of fasteners depends on factors including the desired support and the patient's needs: for example, need young sporty active patients a more stable Epithesenbefestigung. In older patients, however, often is the easy in the foreground.

An alternative to implant -retained facial prosthesis is the attachment of skin compatible adhesive. However, this is only suitable for smaller prostheses that do not require large holding force, such as the replacement of the nasal tip. A big advantage is the lower operating expenses, as no implants need to be set as well as the simpler hygiene. The disadvantage compared with implant - supported prostheses in the lower hold. It can also lead to skin irritation up to the development of allergy to the adhesive.

Problems

With implant-supported prostheses, the main problem at the point of passage of the implants is through the skin. These must be regularly cleaned and maintained, otherwise inflammation can occur that destroy the surrounding bone and in extreme cases can lead to loosening or even loss of the implant. In the course of time, prostheses can become discolored (eg cigarette smoke). Silikonepithesen lose their elasticity and become brittle.

Psycho-social aspects

People with facial defects are subject to a high level of suffering. The face and its parts perform many functions, but it is especially important for interpersonal skills. It plays a role in making contacts, reflects our moods, our character and our previous life purposes, is something like our business card. Therefore, many people with facial defects shy away from dealing with other people to the complete isolation. The consequences are many and probably difficult to measure in its whole extent for healthy people. By epitheses those affected can recover a large part of quality of life.

Costs

The Epithesenkosten and a new production every two years or be covered by statutory health insurance.