Biomedical subjects

S H Luster

Publications and source records attributed to S H Luster.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

From mouth to hand: applying dental technology to hand rehabilitation.

Low-temperature thermoplastic and plaster splints are frequently used in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries of the fingers. Splints made from these materials are problematic in that they degrade with exposure to the chemicals and physical stresses found in the field environment. Chromium-based alloys, commonly used in dental appliances, have been found suitable for use in the fabrication of finger splints. Splints made from these materials are lightweight, durable, relatively inexpensive, and can withstand the rigors of the field environment. Durable splints can enhance clinical outcome and decrease soldier "down time" from repeated sick call visits for splint repair.

Chromium Alloys↗

PubMed1991

Rehabilitation considerations in the care of the acute burn patient.

To be burned is to suffer one of the most dehumanizing events known. Adult burn patients have gone from independent, healthy individuals to totally dependent patients who may survive but be severely disfigured. The ultimate rehabilitation goal is to provide extensively burned patients with the training necessary for them to resume as much of their preburn lifestyle as possible. Prevention and control of scarring processes are the initial vital phases of the process. Reconditioning continues that process by preparing the patients to function within the limits of their present physical ability. All of the activities of daily living that the patient is able to perform with a minimum amount of assistance or independently with the use of assistive devices also move the patient toward independent living. The rehabilitation process is a critical element in the daily care of the burn-injured patient, and all team members providing that care should be encouraged to view the patient as a whole, giving early consideration to the final rehabilitation outcome.

Bandages↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An evaluation device for quantifying joint stiffness in the burned hand.

An electronic device capable of measuring finger joint stiffness has been developed and used to evaluate the effects of dynamic flexion splinting on the recovery of joint motion in patients with burned hands. The device locates an angle of primary (greatest) resistance and the reactive torque at that angle for a selected joint. Using the device, four subjects with stiff hands were measured before and after dynamic splinting treatments. During the 3-day treatment period, there were statistically significant differences in the angle of primary resistance (p less than 0.0001) and reactive torque (p less than 0.001). This initial trial suggests that: (1) finger stiffness can be quantified in terms of reactive torque as well as joint excursion, (2) dynamic rubber-band flexion splinting does alter joint condition and allow increased motion, (3) the amount of initial joint stiffness may be an indicator of treatment outcome, and (4) increasing treatment time may not enhance outcome.

Burns↗