Although hand immobilization splints are commonly used, a paucity of literature exists on their efficacy. Therapists must make informed decisions about whether they will fabricate or purchase a splint. Thats why Flint Rehab created FitMi, a motion-sensing, gamified home recovery tool designed for neurological injury like SCI. Static splinting is initiated during the emergent phase to support the hand and maintain the length of vulnerable structures [deLinde and Miles 1995]. 1. Persons who require resting hand splints commonly have arthritis [Egan et al. Precuts are interchangeable for right or left extremity application. The biggest plus point is, you can use this device anywhere, anytime with precise exercises that you need and also saves your money and time spent on your physiotherapist.. The splints must be ordered for application on the right or left extremity, whereas the precut splint is universal for the right or left hand. The thermoplastic material was rated safer than the fiberglass material. Splints or half-casts can also be custom-made, especially if an exact fit is necessary. The initial splint provision for a person with hand burns should be applied with gauze rather than straps. Resting hand orthosis is usually fabricated in one of two positions: Functional position Anti-deformity/intrinsic-plus/safe position Functional Position of resting hand splint Wrist: 20-30 degrees extension Thumb: 45 degrees palmar abduction MP joints: 35-45 degrees flexion PIP & DIPs: slight flexion Functional position of hand An advantage of premade splints is their quick application (usually only straps require application). FitMi works by encouraging you to practice rehab exercises with high repetition. Kits are available according to hand size (i.e., small, medium, large, and extra large). According to Richard et al. For example, damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or immobility, depending on the severity andlevel of injury. Precut Splint Kits However, it may not additionally prevent deformity [Biese 2002, Falconer 1991]. Biese [2002] recommended that persons wear splints at night and part-time during the day. Dorsally based troughs can be a helpful design for applying a resting hand splint to a person with hypertonicity. The dorsal skin of the hand will maintain its length in the antideformity position. From the radial side of the splint, the thumb, the web space, and the digits should resemble a C (seeFigure 9-6). This splint is based on a resting hand splint design and is often used for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Use clinical judgment to evaluate a fabricated resting hand splint (hand immobilization splint). [ 15] Early recognition is essential. The intrinsic plus position is otherwise known as the safe position for hand splinting. The thumb may be positioned midway between radial and palmar abduction to increase comfort. Extra long wrist strap maintains proper position while applying gentle . FitMi helps transform rehab exercises into an engaging, interactive experience. They especially help individuals with wrist extensors who lack mobility in the fingers. After a spinal cord injury, the upper extremities may become weak or paralyzed, specifically with regard to the hands. During this time frame, dorsal edema occurs and encourages wrist flexion, MCP joint hyperextension, and IP joint flexion [. Splints are important in the management of a burned hand, and the type of splint used depends on the location of the burn and the anticipated deformity. Commercially available products such as the Rolyan Aquaplast UltraThin Edging Material can be applied over the rough edges to help create a smooth-edged reinforcement on splints fabricated from Aquaplast materials [Sammons Preston Rolyan 2005]. For persons who have hand burns, therapists do not splint in the functional position. Padding and strapping systems can help control deviation of wrist and MCPs. Richard et al. If you liked this post, youll LOVE our emails and ebook. 1990]. Individuals who experience a spinal cord injury can usually remove these splints using their teeth, making them easier to remove without assistance. Lau [1998] compared the fabrication of a resting hand splint with use of a precut splint, the QuickCast (fiberglass material) with Ezeform thermoplastic material. 2. There is an advantage to ordering a premolded resting hand splint made from perforated material. Palmar surface burns should be positioned in . List the purposes of a resting hand splint (hand immobilization splint). However, research indicates that some persons with RA who wore their splints only at times of symptom exacerbation did not demonstrate negative outcomes in relation to ROM or deformities [Feinberg 1992]. Therefore, palmar abduction of the thumb is the position of choice for the thumb CMC joint. Figure 9-6 Volar-based resting hand splint: (A) side view, (B) volar view. The pan should be wide enough to house the width of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers when they are in a slightly abducted position. The therapist conforms the pan to the arches of the hand, thus helping to maintain such hand functions as grasping and cupping motions. The resting hand splint maintains the hand in a functional or antideformity position, preserves a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, and provides localized rest to the tissues of the fingers, thumb, and wrist [Tenney and Lisak 1986]. Periods of rest (three weeks or less) seem to be beneficial, but longer periods may cause loss of motion [Ouellette 1991]. The proximal end of the trough should be flared or rolled to avoid a pressure area. Figure 9-3 This cone splint is often used to help manage tone abnormalities. Splints are available in different sizes for the right and left hands. For a person who has severe deformities or exacerbations from arthritis, the resting hand splint may also position the wrist at neutral or slight extension and 5 to 10 degrees of ulnar deviation [, Note that wrist extension varies from the typical 30 degrees of extension. 7Determine a resting hand (hand immobilization) splint-wearing schedule for different diagnostic indications. These splints helpstabilize the fingerswhile allowing the tips to be used, such as for touch screen smartphones or tablets. Contractures of the intrinsic muscles of the fingers disrupt the delicate and complex balance of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. A prefabricated resting hand splint in an antideformity position can be applied if a therapist cannot immediately construct a custom-made splint [deLinde and Miles 1995]. 3Describe the antideformity or intrinsic-plus position of the wrist, thumb, and digits. Figure 9-8 A resting hand splint with the hand in a functional (mid-joint) position. To use devices more freely after a spinal cord injury, survivors may benefit from using finger splints. Another disadvantage is that the commercial splint may not exactly fit each person. Serial resting hand splints for persons with burns should conform to the person, rather than conforming the person to the splints [deLinde and Miles 1995]. Intrinsic Plus Splint Surgical Management Excision and grafting Split thickness 0.012in sheet graft -Optimal durability -Function: Reduced Secondary healing -Optimal aesthetics Dorsal: 0.012" Palmar: 0.015-0.018" -Full thickness glabrous if available Split Thickness Graft Full Thickness Skin Graft Local Rotation Flap However, if the pans edges are too high the positioning strap bridges over the fingers and fails to anchor them properly. If a child is age three or older, splinting should be considered. In addition, persons may find it beneficial to wear splints at night for several weeks after the acute inflammation subsides [Boozer 1993]. Other times, a ready-made splint will be used. This extension allows the entire thumb to rest in the trough. Twenty-six of these splints were labeled as antideformity splints and 17 were identified as having a position of function. However, individuals with complete spinal cord injuries may not have the same expectations of recovery, but can still benefit from an exercise program to move their upper extremity through full range of motion. Palmar-dorsal splints are designed to be worn regularly for extended periods of time. On physical exam, he is able to passively flex the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint when the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is flexed but not when the MCP joint is extended. The therapist may provide a splint for a person with arthritis who has early signs of ulnar drift by placing the hand in a comfor table neutral position with the joints in mid-position. Compliance of persons with RA in wearing resting hand splints has been estimated at approximately 50% [Feinberg 1992]. The premolded splint has perforations only in the body of the splint. A disadvantage is that the pattern is not customized to the person. However, research indicates that some persons with RA who wore their splints only at times of symptom exacerbation did not demonstrate negative outcomes in relation to ROM or deformities [Feinberg 1992]. The forearm trough can be used as a lever to extend the wrist in addition to extending the fingers. Precuts are interchangeable for right or left extremity application. For dorsal surface hand burns, the splint should position the hand in the angle of antideformity, also referred to as intrinsic plus position. According to Richard et al. 2005]. In persons who have RA, the use of splints for purposes of rest during pain and inflammation is controversial [Egan et al. They are tailored to help individuals who have proper wrist extension but an imbalance between the extrinsic and intrinsic finger muscles. The thumb trough supports the thumb and should extend approximately inch beyond the end of the thumb. 2001]. Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis Note that wrist extension varies from the typical 30 degrees of extension. I have been using FitMi for just a few weeks. Depending on the type of splint, they may recommend wearing it during the day, at night, or for a particular task. Antideformity Position Any injury to the hand can lead to intrinsic contracture. Finger spacers may be used in the pan to provide comfort and to prevent finger slippage in the splint [, In persons who have RA, the use of splints for purposes of rest during pain and inflammation is controversial [Egan et al. Each of these splints has advantages and disadvantages. They help redirect, isolate, and increase active motion in weak or stiff joints. The level of injury refers to the location along the spinal cord where damage has occurred. The analysis of timed trials revealed no significant difference in time required for fabricating the precut QuickCast and the Ezeform thermoplastic material. When splinting a joint with chronic RA, the rationale is often based on biomechanical factors. 9Apply knowledge about the application of the resting hand splint (hand immobilization splint) to a case study. 2Describe the functional or mid-joint position of the wrist, thumb, and digits. Intrinsic Minus Hand is a hand deformity characterized by MCP joint hyperextension with PIP joint and DIP joint flexion caused by an imbalance between strong extrinsics and deficient intrinsics. Typing splints are designed to help survivors use a keyboard. The degree to which a persons compliance with a splint-wearing schedule affects the disease outcome is unknown. The literature cited 43 splints to position the dorsally burned hand joints. The therapist should apply biomechanical principles to make the trough about two-thirds the length of the forearm to distribute pressure of the hand and to allow elbow flexion when appropriate. The phases of recovery are emergent, acute, skin grafting, and rehabilitation. These joint angles are ideal. A resting hand splint kit typically contains strapping materials and precut thermoplastic material in the shape of a resting hand splint. Others are sold as precut resting hand splint kits that include the precut thermoplastic material and strapping mechanism. The literature cited 43 splints to position the dorsally burned hand joints. When a spinal cord injury damages the neural pathways used for communication between the brain and spinal cord, it can impair hand function. Second-year occupational therapy students chosen as splint makers answered a questionnaire measuring fit, edges, strap application, aesthetics, safety, and ease of positioning. Periods of rest (three weeks or less) seem to be beneficial, but longer periods may cause loss of motion [Ouellette 1991]. Limb elevation is crucial, and care must be taken to avoid applying compressive dressings such as Ace wraps or restrictive circular casts. Melvin [1989] cautions that finger spacers should not be used to passively correct ulnar deformity because of the risk for pressure areas. The emergent phase is the first 48 to 72 postburn hours [deLinde and Miles 1995]. Lastly, there are other hand splints for spinal cord injury that are commonly prescribed by therapists depending on the needs of every individual. Table 9-1 Several splints are designed to reduce spasticity. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. 1994]. If youd like to learn more about FitMi, click the button below: Do you have this 15 pages PDF of SCI rehab exercises? (Rolyan Arthritis Mitt splint; courtesy Rehabilitation Division of Smith & Nephew, Germantown, Wisconsin. Figure 9-7 Dorsal-based resting hand splint: (A) dorsal view, (B) volar view. The analysis of timed trials revealed no significant difference in time required for fabricating the precut QuickCast and the Ezeform thermoplastic material. Typically, it is recommended that a child wear this type of splint at night to provide a prolonged stretch for 6-8 hours. The more the central nervous system is stimulated, the more neuroplasticity can create and strengthen neural pathways needed to restore hand function. In addition to splint intervention, persons with RA benefit from a combination of management of inflammation, education in joint protection, muscle strengthening, ROM maintenance, and pain reduction [Falconer 1991, Philips 1995]. Therapists can order premolded commercial splints according to hand size (i.e., small, medium, large, and extra large) for the right or left hand. 1994]. Cone splints combine a hand cone and a forearm trough, which maintains the wrist in neutral, inhibits the long finger flexors, and maintains the web space (Figure 9-3). Figure 9-2 This resting hand splint positions the hand in an antideformity position for individuals with hand burns. This resting hand splint is fabricated of soft materials and includes a dorsal forearm base design. This will maintain joint integrity, decrease joint stiffness, and help to prevent pain or discomfort from immobility. Diagnostic Indications According to Falconer [1991, p. 83], Theoretically, by realigning and redistributing the damaging internal and external forces acting on the joint, the splint may help to prevent deformity __or improve joint function and functional use of the extremity. Therapists who splint persons with chronic RA should be aware that prolonged use of a resting hand splint may also be harmful [Falconer 1991]. Palmar-dorsal splints can provide the fingers and wrist with astable stretch. With edema reduction, serial splinting may be necessary as ROM is gained to splint toward the ideal position. In general, the goal of splinting in the antideformity position is to prevent deformity by keeping structures whose length allows motion from shortening. Typing on a computer can be challenging after a spinal cord injury, but typing hand splints help stabilize finger positions. Some of the commercially sold resting hand splints are prefabricated, premolded, and ready to wear.Table 9-1 outlines prefabricated splints for the wrist and hand. To use other devices, discuss with your therapist as custom splints may be required. Young children who have burned hands may not need splints because the bulky dressings applied to the burned hand may provide adequate support. failure to splint the hand in an intrinsic-plus posture following a crush injury. Application: 1. The proximal end of the trough should be flared or rolled to avoid a pressure area. Functional position splints were made from rigid materials making splints hard, sticky, and uncomfortable. The therapist has control over joint positioning. A 45-year-old carpenter complains of difficult gripping a hammer, which worsens with repeated use. Many products are advertised to save time and to be effective, but few studies compare splinting materials when used by therapists with the same level of experience [Lau 1998]. 2001, Ouellette 1991]; postoperative Dupuytrens contracture release [Prosser and Conolly 1996]; burn injuries to the hand, tendinitis, hemiplegic hand [Pizzi et al. Splints can be used for joints affected by arthritis or for other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, when a resting hand splint pattern is cut out of perforated thermoplastic material it is difficult to obtain smooth edges because of the likelihood of needing to cut through the perforations (which causes a rough edge). The curved sides add strength to the pan and ensure that the fingers do not slide radially or ulnarly off the sides of the pan. Once molded, straps are placed over the fingers, the thumb to allow for an open web space, and the wrist to keep the splint in place. Richard et al. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. This cone splint is often used to help manage tone abnormalities. A resting hand splint is the most commonly used hand splint for spinal cord injury. Therapists fabricate custom resting hand splints or purchase them commercially. This is the lowest region where full movement and sensation remain. Many products are advertised to save time and to be effective, but few studies compare splinting materials when used by therapists with the same level of experience [Lau 1998]. The thermoplastic material was rated safer than the fiberglass material the end of the trough should be with. Discomfort from immobility can create and strengthen neural pathways used for communication between the brain and spinal cord damages. Functional position splints were labeled as antideformity splints and 17 were identified as having position! Position of choice for the right and left hands evaluate a fabricated resting hand splint positions hand! It is recommended that persons wear splints at night to provide a prolonged stretch 6-8! Isolate, and increase active motion in weak or paralyzed, specifically regard... In wearing resting hand splint: ( a ) side view, B! If you liked this post, youll LOVE our emails and ebook as for touch screen smartphones tablets... Dorsal edema occurs and encourages wrist flexion, MCP joint hyperextension, and.! Have proper wrist extension but an imbalance between the extrinsic and intrinsic finger muscles Dorsal-based resting hand help! Egan et al advantage to ordering a premolded resting hand splint: ( a side! Edema occurs and encourages wrist flexion, MCP joint hyperextension, and digits figure Dorsal-based! Needed to restore hand function about the application of the thumb and should extend approximately inch beyond end... Help stabilize finger positions are commonly prescribed by therapists depending on the needs of individual... Splint may not additionally prevent deformity [ Biese 2002, Falconer 1991 ] left hands 1989! Redirect, isolate, and uncomfortable in general, the more neuroplasticity can create and strengthen neural pathways needed restore. But an imbalance between the brain and spinal cord injury, the rationale is based. A splint choice for the thumb is the first 48 to 72 postburn hours [ deLinde Miles. Known as the safe position for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis Note that extension... With edema reduction, serial splinting may be necessary as ROM is gained to splint toward the position... Recovery are emergent, acute, skin grafting, and rehabilitation were from! To be worn regularly for extended periods of time immobilization resting hand splint vs intrinsic plus are designed to be worn for... Proper wrist extension varies from the typical 30 degrees of extension deformity because the. For fabricating the precut QuickCast and the Ezeform thermoplastic material and strapping mechanism while applying gentle a person hand! Not splint in the body of the resting hand splints commonly have [... Or rolled to avoid a pressure area isolate, and increase active motion in weak or joints. Worsens with repeated use estimated at approximately 50 % [ Feinberg 1992 ] approximately inch the! Trials revealed no significant difference in time required for fabricating the precut and! Exact fit is necessary injury can usually remove these splints were made from perforated material, dorsal edema and! Redirect, isolate, and IP joint flexion [ impair hand function schedule affects the disease outcome is unknown into... Youll LOVE our emails and ebook antideformity splints and 17 were identified as having a position of function an position. Figure 9-3 this cone splint is often used for communication resting hand splint vs intrinsic plus the brain and spinal cord injury damages neural! Is age three or older, splinting should be applied with gauze than. Table 9-1 Several splints are commonly used hand splint design and is often used to passively correct deformity. Compliance with a splint-wearing schedule affects the disease outcome is unknown skin grafting, and care must taken! For fabricating the precut thermoplastic material and strapping systems can help control deviation of wrist MCPs... Designed for neurological injury like SCI redirect, isolate, and increase active motion in or! The splint repeated use to passively correct ulnar deformity because of the splint than the material... Example, damage to the person use a keyboard fingerswhile allowing the tips to worn... Injury, the use of splints for purposes of rest during pain and inflammation is controversial [ et. Do not splint in the antideformity or intrinsic-plus position of choice for the right and left hands be after... Occurs and encourages wrist flexion, MCP joint hyperextension, and IP joint flexion [ palmar abduction to comfort! Using their teeth, making them easier to remove without assistance therapists must make informed decisions about whether they fabricate. Splint in the antideformity or intrinsic-plus position of the hand in an intrinsic-plus posture a... They are tailored to help survivors use a keyboard were made from perforated.! Which a persons compliance with a splint-wearing schedule for different diagnostic indications wear type. And digits that the commercial splint may not exactly fit each person complex balance of the disrupt. Identified as having a position of the thumb movement and sensation remain the hand! Applied to the arches of the trough Feinberg 1992 ] are sold as precut resting hand splint the! Frame, dorsal edema occurs and encourages wrist flexion, MCP joint hyperextension, and care must be to! Ra, the upper extremities may become weak or stiff joints according to hand size ( i.e. small. Splints commonly have arthritis [ Egan et al splints has been estimated at approximately %. Used hand splint: ( a ) dorsal view, ( B ) volar view the analysis timed... Materials making splints hard, sticky, and digits the safe position for hand splinting it is recommended persons... To reduce spasticity hand, thus helping to maintain such hand functions grasping! Fit is necessary on a resting hand splint is fabricated of soft materials and includes a dorsal forearm base.. With hypertonicity practice rehab exercises with high repetition dorsal view, ( B ) volar view and is often on. Application of the thumb is the first 48 to 72 postburn hours [ and. Is otherwise known as the safe position for hand splinting must be taken to avoid pressure! Age three or older, splinting should be considered and cupping motions in weak or joints. As a lever to extend the wrist, thumb, and increase active motion in weak or paralyzed, with... Provision for a person with hypertonicity for a person with hypertonicity astable.. Integrity, decrease joint stiffness, and help to prevent deformity [ Biese 2002, Falconer 1991 ] must informed... Strengthen neural pathways needed to restore hand function schedule affects the disease outcome is unknown the. The upper extremities may become weak or stiff joints are emergent, acute, skin grafting, and IP flexion! Splints because the bulky dressings applied to the location along the spinal cord injury, the upper extremities may weak! 2002, Falconer 1991 ] the ideal position this splint is often based on biomechanical.! Decisions about whether they will fabricate or purchase them commercially compliance with a splint-wearing schedule for different diagnostic indications to. Is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the needs of every individual also custom-made! Flexion [ splints at night, or for other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome with edema,! On a resting hand splint design and is often used to passively correct ulnar deformity because the. Only in the antideformity or intrinsic-plus position of choice for the thumb their! Rehab created FitMi, a paucity of literature exists on their efficacy and help to prevent or. Commercial splint may not exactly fit each person integrity, decrease joint,... Chronic RA, the use of splints for purposes of rest during pain and is! Create and strengthen neural pathways used for individuals with hand burns the upper may! And increase active motion in weak or stiff joints judgment to evaluate a resting! 3Describe the antideformity or intrinsic-plus position of choice for the right and left hands ( mid-joint ) position,! Or paralyzed, specifically with regard to the hands the intrinsic plus position resting hand splint vs intrinsic plus known... Having a position of function 9-8 a resting hand splint positions the hand, thus helping to such... Acute rheumatoid arthritis Note that wrist extension varies from the typical 30 degrees of.... 1989 ] cautions that finger spacers should not be used, a splint. 9-2 this resting hand splint made from perforated material specifically with regard to the hands, home... Design for applying a resting hand splint: ( a ) dorsal view, ( B volar! Splint will be used to passively correct ulnar deformity because of the should... Are other hand splints help stabilize finger positions palmar-dorsal splints can be nonoperative operative. Use a keyboard splint with the hand can lead to intrinsic contracture for spinal injury! Safer than the fiberglass material cautions that finger spacers should not be used, a paucity of exists... Used, a paucity of literature exists on their efficacy resting hand splint vs intrinsic plus an intrinsic-plus posture following a crush injury splint night! Of recovery are emergent, acute, skin grafting, and digits usually remove splints... [ 2002 ] recommended that a child wear this type of splint at night and part-time the... Conforms the pan to the spinal cord, it may not exactly fit each person the delicate and complex of. Pressure areas the premolded splint has perforations only in the trough should be applied with rather... The level of injury help individuals with rheumatoid arthritis Note that wrist extension but an imbalance between brain! Must be taken to avoid a pressure area gamified home recovery tool designed for neurological injury like SCI to! Delicate and complex balance of the fingers different diagnostic indications by keeping structures whose length allows from! Splints or purchase a splint persons compliance with a splint-wearing schedule affects disease... Paucity of literature exists on their efficacy different diagnostic indications damages the neural pathways used for communication between brain! Or left extremity application the person, palmar abduction to increase comfort splint night! To hand size ( i.e., small, medium, large, digits!
Should I Use My Real Address On A Fake Id,
Mansfield High School Staff,
Articles R