Pneumatic-type dynamic traction and flexion splint for treating patients with extension contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Collateral ligament shortening causes extension contractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint, and dynamic flexion splinting has been widely used to treat these contractures; however, there are various problems with these approaches. We developed a novel, pneumatic-type dynamic traction and flexion splint to solve these problems.

CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS:

A total of 25 fingers were treated with the dynamic traction and flexion splint for 8 weeks. Every 2 weeks, the average metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle, total active motion, grasp strength, and pain scores were assessed.

FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES:

The finger flexion angle was significantly greater at the final evaluation, starting after 6 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05), than prior to treatment. Similarly, the total active motion results improved significantly over 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results show that use of the dynamic traction and flexion splint improves patient finger functioning and flexural angle.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

The dynamic traction and flexion (DTF) splint appears to be effective for treating patients.

• Authors: Jun Nakayama, Mituru Horiki, Kakurou Denno, Kazunori Ogawa, Hisao Oka, Kazuhisa Domen
• Journal: Prosthetics and orthotics international (Prosthet Orthot Int) Vol. 40 Issue 1 Pg. 142-6 (Feb 2016) ISSN: 1746-1553 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 25762613 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Topics

• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Contracture (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Hand (physiopathology)
• Hand Strength (physiology)
• Humans
• Japan
• Male
• Metacarpophalangeal Joint (physiopathology)
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular (physiology)
• Recovery of Function
• Severity of Illness Index
• Splints (statistics & numerical data)
• Traction (instrumentation, methods)
• Treatment Outcome