RTV silicone elastomers in hand prosthetics

In this technical note, an overview of RTV (room-temperature-vulcanising) silicone elastomers is provided. The properties and applications of 3 different types of RTV silicones in producing prostheses for the hand are discussed. Vinyl polysiloxanes are excellent silicone impression materials that offer the advantages of a rapid cure, near exact duplication of fine details and ease of removal of the cured impression without permanent deformation. RTV-2 dimethyl polysiloxanes are ideal for mould-making and fabricating prostheses given their favourable qualities that range from ease of pigmentation, adjustable consistency, manageable curing rate and accuracy in recording fine details in the liquid state to excellent stain-resistance, elasticity and biodurability in the vulcanised state. RTV-1 dimethyl polysiloxanes are self-curing, ready-for-use silicones that adhere adequately well to most substrates and are useful for extrinsic hue modifications and waterproofing of the prosthesis. The basic techniques for each of these applications are also discussed. The cure-inhibition of addition-curing RTV silicones by sulphur-, tin- and nitrogen-containing contaminants and its damaging consequence is highlighted. A compilation of known contaminating agents is provided so that prior contact with these objects can be avoided when working with addition-curing silicones. The precautionary measures to prevent the problem are also outlined.