Pneumatic-type dynamic traction and flexion splint for treating patients with extension contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nakayama, Jun; Horiki, Mituru; Denno, Kakurou; Ogawa, Kazunori; Oka, Hisao; Domen, Kazuhisa
• Is Part Of: Prosthetics and orthotics international. Volume 40:Number 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Extension contracture -- pneumatic artificial muscle -- dynamic splint -- metacarpophalangeal joint; Orthopedic apparatus -- Periodicals; Prosthesis -- Periodicals; Implants, Artificial -- Periodicals; 617.905
• DOI: 10.1177/0309364615574165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-3646

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.