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Finger Contracture Splint Guide

The document describes a simple splint for correcting finger contractures. The splint consists of a spring wire bent into an arc shape, with a metal loop and platform attached to the distal end to apply pressure to the finger joints. A strap attaches the splint to the wrist. The splint avoids nullifying correction from metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. It is inexpensive, easy for patients to apply themselves for frequent stretching, and effective in overcoming flexion contractures after injuries and infections.

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Claudine Christiane Caparas - Hemedez
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48 views2 pages

Finger Contracture Splint Guide

The document describes a simple splint for correcting finger contractures. The splint consists of a spring wire bent into an arc shape, with a metal loop and platform attached to the distal end to apply pressure to the finger joints. A strap attaches the splint to the wrist. The splint avoids nullifying correction from metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. It is inexpensive, easy for patients to apply themselves for frequent stretching, and effective in overcoming flexion contractures after injuries and infections.

Uploaded by

Claudine Christiane Caparas - Hemedez
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SPLINT FOR CORRECTION OF FINGER CONTRACTURE

B Y EDGAR D. O P P E N H E I M E R ,

M.D., NEW

YORK, N.

Y.

Of the various splints used for finger contractures few are practical. The attempt to correct the flexion in the two distal digital joints is usually nullified by the hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The banjo type of splint, with traction, is difficult for a patient to apply and presents mechanical slips. Of course, where the flexor tendons are adherent, no splint has any effect, for the value of any apparatus depends for its success on the possibility of stretching the tissues and obtaining the correction. The amount of pressure or force that can be used on a digit is small on account of the surface accessible for the pressure. However, the amount of force necessary is often not great and much can be accomplished by prolonged and frequent stretching in a way that is not uncomfortable. The apparatus here described is extremely simple. Its action is not nullified by the hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint or wrist. The splint is readily applied by the patient. I t is inexpensive, easily a d justed, and has proved effective in overcoming and preventing the flexion conFIG. 1 tractures of fingers, which are so common after injuries, infections, and nerve lesions. The apparatus consists of two parallel spring wires or of one wire bent on itself. Ten to twenty-gage FIG.2 piano wire is used, depending upon the tension desired. At the distal end is a loop or sling of sheet metal, about three-fourths of an inch in width. Made from the ordinary tin can, it is soft-soldered on by an alcohol lamp. Central to it a small platform is similarly soldered, which exerts pressure over the second phalanx, while the distal sling is giving pressure over the pad of the finger. At the level of the wrist a larger piece of metal is soldered on and to this a strap and buckle are attached, which fasten around the wrist. One or more of these finger stretchers can be soldered onto the wrist piece. The piano wire has a natural curve; this is used with the convexity forward and ordinarily makes an arc equivalent to a third of a circle. If the tin is covered with moleskin adhesive, the sharp metal edges can be avoided, the
VOL. XIX, NO. 1. JANUARY 1937

247

248

E. D. OPPENHEIMER

pressure somewhat softened, and the splint made presentable. The wires can also be covered if the pressure on the dorsum of the hand is uncomfortable. The splint is applied by inserting the finger through the loop and fastening the strap about the wrist. These splints can be made to suit a particular case in a few minutes without any special tools. They are durable and easily adjustable, and the spring tension can be changed as correction is obtained. When soiled, the moleskin is readily changed. The distal joints are held in extension. The direction of force in the upper part of the wire curve is centrifugal against the hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The patient can readily apply this splint in his free time for half-hour periods several times a day; thus, while he is otherwise occupied, the digits can be stretched. The force used should not be great. I n cases where stretching is possible, the author has found this splint of great practical value.

T H E JOCRSAL OF B O S E A S D JOIST SURGERY

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