P G Benaglia1, F Sartorio, F Franchignoni. 1. Service of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, S. Maugert Foundation, IRCCS Rehabilitation Institute of Veruno, Novara, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Aim of this technical note is to describe the fabrication procedure of a new thermoplastic static-progressive hand-based splint for PIP joint flexion contractures, and report its effects in the treatment of a small group of sportsmen. METHODS: The serial-static splint consists of a short metacarpal gauntlet base, with a hole for the thumb and a dorsal finger gutter that extends to the distal extremity. A low-temperature thermoplastic material, two loop fastener straps, three small pieces of self-adhesive hook fastener and cooling spray are required. The orthosis has been tested on four professional volleyball players (3 females and 1 male), aged 18-24 years, suffering from PIP joint flexion contractures after traumatic hand injuries occurred 2 to 3 months before. Patients wore the splint for 1 hour followed by 1 hour of rest (6 times per day), for 2 to 3 weeks. During the resting periods patients performed a few sets of active ROM exercises at their PIP joint. RESULTS: This new splint design demonstrated to be effective in early recovery of complete PIP joint extension and subjects resumed soon their sports activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our device is easy to fabricate and to use and comfortable for patients.
BACKGROUND: Aim of this technical note is to describe the fabrication procedure of a new thermoplastic static-progressive hand-based splint for PIP joint flexion contractures, and report its effects in the treatment of a small group of sportsmen. METHODS: The serial-static splint consists of a short metacarpal gauntlet base, with a hole for the thumb and a dorsal finger gutter that extends to the distal extremity. A low-temperature thermoplastic material, two loop fastener straps, three small pieces of self-adhesive hook fastener and cooling spray are required. The orthosis has been tested on four professional volleyball players (3 females and 1 male), aged 18-24 years, suffering from PIP joint flexion contractures after traumatic hand injuries occurred 2 to 3 months before. Patients wore the splint for 1 hour followed by 1 hour of rest (6 times per day), for 2 to 3 weeks. During the resting periods patients performed a few sets of active ROM exercises at their PIP joint. RESULTS: This new splint design demonstrated to be effective in early recovery of complete PIP joint extension and subjects resumed soon their sports activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our device is easy to fabricate and to use and comfortable for patients.
Authors: Sergio Puértolas; José M Pérez-García; Luis Gracia; José Cegoñino; Elena Ibarz; José A Puértolas; Antonio Herrera Journal: Biomed Eng Online Date: 2010-09-13 Impact factor: 2.819