Tenodesis extension splinting for radial nerve palsy.
Injuries to the radial nerve or posterior interosseous nerve can lead to significant functional limitation. Inability to extend the wrist and/or digits prevents the hand from being positioned properly for functional tasks. Therapy after radial nerve injury is geared toward maintaining passive extension of the wrist and digits. Sensory reeducation can also be performed but often not necessary since the distribution of the nerve distally is on the dorsoradial surface of the hand. Since nerve regeneration is often a lengthy process and the extent of recovery is variable, splinting the involved extremity is used to prevent contractures and maximize function. This article introduces a new splint that allows patients to extend the fingers and thumb via a tenodesis effect at the wrist. In early trials, it has produced excellent results for enhancing functional use of the injured extremity while nerve regeneration occurs or until tendon transfers have been performed.