Ortho-prosthetist hopes to make difference in amputees' quality of life

Kim Jung-hyun, ortho-prosthetist and CEO of Silobionic, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, Feb. 17. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

By Kwak Yeon-soo, Kim Kang-min

At least 10,000 amputations occur in Korea every year as a result of accidents, infections, or injuries.

Kim Jung-hyun has been making prosthetics at Silobionic, a company established 14 years ago that manufactures, designs and customizes prosthetics.

His interest was driven by his desire to help people with disabilities and to relieve their discomfort.

Korea Times video by Kim Kang-min, Lee Ka-jin

"My younger sibling has a disability. Growing up, I have always wanted to do something to help people who had lost a limb, make them feel more able and give them hope. I also love working with my hands so I thought about ways of putting these two things together to help people living with disabilities," he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

Kim decided to become an ortho-prosthetist because that seemed like an important job to him. He was also confident about making prosthetics more lifelike so amputees don't encounter discrimination.

A collection of prosthetic arms at Silobionic / Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

He explained that prostheses are more than just self-care products that are designed to help individuals with impairments to move or walk around more easily. A prosthetic limb must not only be functional and precise, but realistic in its appearance with lifelike texture. Thus, Kim's work combines the characteristics of science and art.

"Prostheses are not just hard to make; they require a lot of effort to meet the demands of each individual patient. We continue to monitor our clients because they might develop symptoms or side effects. Our goal is to create products that can improve amputees' quality of life using our professional knowledge," Kim said.

Kim said the majority of his clients are people who have undergone hand or foot amputations followed by upper- and lower- limb amputations. There are more than 170,000 people living with an amputation in Korea, according to 2020 data by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Ortho-prosthetist Kim Jung-hyun determines a client's exact skin tone using a skin color measurement device at Silobionic in Seoul, Feb. 17. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

The cost of prosthesis can be expensive, ranging from 1 million won ($768) for a finger up to well over 100 million won for a complex limb. They require replacement parts every year that can cost millions of won more, and only a small fraction of the cost of limbs is covered by insurance.

"Unfortunately, people with disabilities in Korea get little financial assistance from the government to pay for prosthetics compared to the U.S. and other developed countries, where the full cost of the prosthetic limbs is covered," he said.

"The amount that insurance is willing to pay for the simplest prosthetics is about 90 percent, which is insufficient. Advanced prosthetics are obtainable by the rich and those who receive charitable support."

Most amputees are more likely to be poor, belong to marginalized groups and have chronic conditions, like diabetes, that reduce their mobility.

The plastic molds are cut using a variety of electric and pneumatic tools. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

Kim explained about the design and production process for prosthetics that involves a number of steps to create an artificial limb.

"First, we consult with the customer to gather information and data before making the prosthetic limb, which helps us determine which product will be suitable for them," he said, adding that accuracy and attention to detail are important.

Then they proceed to the actual manufacturing process. Kim noted that one of the most difficult stages is the coloration process, which involves determining the amputee's exact skin tone and then creating a silicone skin-like substance of the same tone.

"Many companies that specialize in prosthetic products only have a limited range of colors to match a client's skin tone, which makes things difficult. That is why we introduced the skin color measurement device that can distinguish 22,000 different skin tones. Using this device, we can match a client's skin tone up with a 90 percent level of accuracy," Kim explained.

Ortho-prosthetist Kim Jung-hyun makes an artificial fingernail. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

Next, they engage in a meticulous process of modifying the mold to reflect the envisioned design. They then fabricate a precise plaster cast of the residual limb. Molds are cut using a variety of electric and air tools as well as sanders to make sure sockets fit the size of a client's residual limb. After ensuring optimal fit, they make artificial fingernails.

"People have different skin colors and nail shapes, which is why we make customized nails. We then make the actual limb, using a special type of silicone," he said.

The prosthetic foot made from silicone is being tested for fit. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min

When it's done, the new prosthesis is delivered to the client for a test fitting. Further adjustments are made if needed. If everything fits well, the client takes possession of the new prosthesis.

Kim expressed his desire to make a significant impact on amputees' lives, enabling them to live with more comfort and independence. "I make prostheses for amputees so they can live comfortable lives," he said.