SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Splints”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1979

A new reinforced intracoronal composite resin splint. Clinical results after 1 year.

An intracoronal technique for semipermanent splinting of mobile or migrating teeth is described and clinically evaluated. Circumferential grooves of 1 to 1.5 mm depth were cut into the enamel in the occlusal third of the teeth to be splinted. The teeth were splinted by placing a polyester ligature in two or more figure-8 loops along the grooves, and sealing the grooves and interproximal contact areas with an acid-etch composite resin system. A total of 51 splints involving 183 teeth and 132 interproximal contact areas were placed in 34 patients. One year after insertion, 46 splints were found intact. Five splints presented with one fractured interdental element, each. Average mobility of the splinted teeth was 51% below the preoperative level. Splinting improved the masticatory comfort. The esthetic results were satisfactory.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

PubMed1989

The immediate effects of a stabilization splint on the muscular symmetry in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of patients with a craniomandibular disorder.

In 36 myogenous craniomandibular disorder patients, the immediate effects of a stabilization splint on the symmetry in the activities of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles during submaximal clenching at five clenching levels were investigated electromyographically. After the adjustment of the splint necessary at the time of delivery, 20 splints remained free from occlusal interferences throughout the treatment period and thus needed no further adjustment. These splints caused an immediate improvement in masseter muscle symmetry at the time of delivery (p less than 0.01). However, 16 splints needed further adjustment for occlusal interferences at the first recall, 2 weeks after delivery of the splint. These splints resulted in a small but statistically significant worsening in masseter muscle symmetry at the 10% clenching level (p less than 0.01). No such response was found for temporal muscle activity. The immediate changes in masseter muscle activity suggest that muscular symmetry is an objective basis in the evaluation of the treatment provided.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

The use of intra-nasal splints: a consultant survey.

A questionnaire was sent to all United Kingdom consultants enquiring about their use of intra-nasal splints. 301 (70%) consultants replied. The commonest reason given for use of nasal splints was to try to prevent the formation of adhesions. Flat, pre-shaped silicone rubber splints were by far the most frequently used type. 64% used splints routinely for operations involving both walls of the nasal cavity. Just over one-third of respondents never or 'rarely' (less than 1 in 50 cases) used splints for procedures involving both walls of the nasal cavity. They reported an adhesion rate of 5.2% which was only 1.3% greater than that reported by those who always or 'sometimes' (at least 1 in 10 cases) used splints. Comments from some respondents and review of the literature suggests that early out-patient review with the use of nasal toilet is an effective alternative to using nasal splints in the prevention of intranasal adhesions.

Consultants↗

PubMed1979

The effect of splinting on tooth mobility. (2) After osseous surgery.

The purpose of this study was to determine if fixed splinting of teeth with intraoral wire and acrylic splints had advantages with respect to tooth mobility, bone level and attachment level over unsplinted teeth following osseous surgery. Ten patients were chosen who exhibited bilaterally similar chronic destructive periodontitis and mobile teeth. One maxillary sextant was splinted, while the other was unsplinted. Both sextants functioned against an unsplinted mandibular arch. Following initial therapy, osseous surgery was performed in both maxillary sextants on the same day. Tooth mobility data was collected 1 week before and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks following surgery. Levels of gingival attachment and bone were recorded before and 24 weeks after surgery. Splints were removed before measurements, then replaced, and the occlusion refined. Prophylaxes and oral hygiene instruction were repeated every 3 weeks throughout the study. For all categories of teeth and mobility examined, tooth mobility increased initially after surgery and subsequently decreased by 24 weeks to about presurgical values. The splinted and unsplinted segments reacted similarly throughout the study; splinting did not significantly reduce the mobility of individual teeth. Pre- and postsurgical bone and gingival attachment levels were also similar for the splinted and unsplinted segments.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

The effect of splinting on tooth mobility. I. During initial therapy.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether fixed splinting aided in the reduction of posterior tooth mobility during initial therapy. A "split-mouth" approach was used in order to compare splinted segments with similar unsplinted segments. Seven patients were selected, all of whom demonstrated chronic destructive periodontitis and mobile teeth. Initial therapy, consisting of oral hygiene instruction, root curettage and occlusal adjustment, was performed over a 2-week period. At the time of initial therapy, teeth in contralateral segments were splinted with an intracoronal wire-and-acrylic splint. Tooth mobility and gingival inflammation were recorded in all four segments every 3 weeks for a 15-week monitoring period following initial therapy. The splints were removed before each data recording session and then replaced and the occlusion refined. Prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction were repeated every second week throughout the monitoring period. The reduction in the mobility of teeth splinted during the entire therapy period did not differ from the reduction observed in the unsplinted segments. The reduction in tooth mobility observed in both the splinted and unsplinted segments over the 17-week period can be attributed to the improved occlusal relationships and reduction in inflammation.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Hand splinting in quadriplegia: current practice.

A mailed survey was conducted to collect information about the application of hand splints to patients with spinal cord injuries resulting in quadriplegia at levels C-5, C-6, C-7, and C-8. Survey respondents were occupational therapists in spinal cord injury centers nationwide. Frequency and descriptive statistics were collected concerning both static and dynamic splints, the clinical reasoning behind splint selection, and methods used for the evaluation of hand function. The results of the survey indicate that hand splinting is an accepted intervention for the target population. A variety of static splint designs were used, depending on level of injury, muscle strength, and the patient's acceptance. The dynamic splint designs were used most frequently with patients whose lesions were at C-6 and C-7. The reasons for not splinting were primarily related to the patient's compliance and acceptance. Observation of patients' performance of functional tasks was the preferred method of evaluation of hand function, as there are no appropriate standardized tests available for this population.

Equipment Design↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Splinting technique for traumatic luxation of anterior permanent teeth].

Extrusive luxations of both, upper and lower incisors, represent a frequent event in dental traumatology. The Authors present some cases in which elastic splints have been used. In fact recent researches show that, even soon after a traumatic event, is not indicated to immobilize teeth with rigid fixed splints because they don't allow any dental function. It is therefore preferable the use of elastic splints for 2-4 weeks, instead of rigid splints for long periods. The Authors then describe the techniques, the methods and the radiographic controls and pulp tests used in this kind of traumatic pathology, showing the positive long term results obtained by using elastic splints instead of rigid splints which often present as result root resorptions or pulp necrosis. In fact with elastic splints is possible to replace and maintain luxated teeth, allowing at the same time a certain function of teeth and their support tissues.

Dental Pulp Necrosis↗

PubMed1992

Effect of the arthritis health professional on compliance with use of resting hand splints by patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study examined the effects of an occupational therapist's approach during the initial splinting session on the subsequent use of resting hand splints by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Forty subjects were randomly assigned either to a standard treatment (control) group or to a compliance-enhancement (experimental) group, for whom the use of learning principles, sharing of expectations, use of a positive affective tone and behaviors by the therapist, and the assumption of responsibility by the patient were emphasized. During the 28-day period after splinting, patients in the experimental and control groups wore their splints an average of 23.3 and 18.1 days, respectively (p = 0.056). Nine subjects in the experimental group, but only four in the control group used their splints every day (p = 0.035). Knowledge of splint use correlated with actual use, regardless of the group assignment (p = 0.035). Change in the amount of wrist and hand pain was not significant in either group; however, the experimental group experienced a decrease in the duration of morning stiffness (p = 0.013). This intervention provides health professionals with a pragmatic and effective method to enhance compliance.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed1989

Effect of splinting on the mechanical and histological properties of the healing periodontal ligament in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops).

Healing of the periodontal ligament (PDL) after extrusive luxation of two upper central incisors was evaluated when one tooth was splinted and the other left untreated. One millimetre thick, transverse sections of tooth, PDL and alveolar bone were examined in a materials testing machine. Load deformation curves were recorded and a number of mechanical properties were assessed. To eliminate the influence of differences in sizes and fibre arrangements, load values were reduced by the area and deformation values by the width of the PDL, and comparisons between splinted and non-splinted teeth were made at identical root levels 2 weeks after injury. Healing was also evaluated histologically at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks after injury. There were no significant differences in mechanical and histological properties between splinted and non-splinted teeth, which suggests that splinting is of doubtful value in treatment of extrusive luxated teeth. The values for the mechanical properties of injured PDL had returned to 50-60% of those of uninjured PDL by 2 weeks after injury, indicating a rapid healing rate.

Animals↗

PubMed1978

Effect of occlusal splints on TMJ symptomatology.

The clinical response of TMJ symptomatology to full-coverage occlusal splints, when used as the only means of treatment, was evaluated. The symptomatology recorded during the last postoperative visit was compared to the initial visit. The response of the different symptoms to the use of the occlusal splint was analyzed statistically using a chi-square test. A statistically significant difference (p = .03) was only found when comparing those groups having only pain or dysfunction symptomatology. The response favored the remission of pain. However, every symptom was improved with the use of an occlusal splint. It was concluded that: 1. Both pain and dysfunction symptomatology will benefit from the occlusal splint therapy. 2. The pain response will be significantly better than the dysfunction response when the patient is treated with an occlusal splint. 3. Eighty percent of the patients suffering from a TMJ syndrome will improve or be cured when the only form of treatment is the use of a full-coverage occlusal splint.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1992

Trigger fingers and thumb: when to splint, inject, or operate.

Fifty trigger fingers were treated by splinting of the metacarpophalangeal joint at 10 to 15 degrees of flexion for an average of 6 weeks (range, 3 to 9 weeks). Another 50 trigger fingers were injected with 0.5 ml of betamethasone sodium phosphate and acetate suspension (Celestone) and 0.5 ml of lidocaine. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year (range, 1 to 4 years). Treatment was successful in 33 (66%) of the splinted digits and 42 (84%) of the injected digits. Fifty percent of the 10 splinted thumbs and 70% of the 40 splinted fingers had a successful outcome. Of the 17 unsuccessfully treated digits in the splinted group, 15 were later cured with injections and 2 required surgery. All of the 7 unsuccessfully treated digits in the injected group were cured with surgery. Patients with marked triggering, symptoms of more than 6 months' duration, and multiple involved digits had a higher rate of failure in both groups. Splinting offers an alternative for patients who have a strong objection to cortisone injection.

Cortisone↗

PubMed1992

Influence of stabilization occlusal splints on sternocleidomastoid and masseter electromyographic activity.

The present work was conducted in order to determine the effect of stabilization occlusal splints on electromyographic (EMG) activity of sternocleidomastoid and masseter muscles, in subjects with tenderness to palpation in these muscles. A full-arch maxillary stabilization occlusal splint was made for each of 14 subjects. Tonic EMG activity, as well as during saliva swallowing and maximal voluntary clenching, was recorded with and without a stabilization occlusal splint inserted. Similar tonic, as well as maximal voluntary clenching EMG activity, with and without the stabilization occlusal splint, was observed. During saliva swallowing, the activity in both muscles was significantly lower with the stabilization occlusal splint. This suggests that daytime use of the stabilization occlusal splint might improve tenderness to palpation in the studied muscles, since the frequency of swallowing function is higher during waking hours.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

The stiffness of cylindrical casts enforced with splint laminations: biomechanical considerations.

Splint lamination is often used to strengthen a plaster cast while minimizing its thickness and weight. We evaluated the following lamination configurations to determine the effectiveness of each relative to a 3-mm-thick short leg cast: anterior-posterior splints, medial-lateral splints, and an anteriorly placed fin. Theoretical stiffness was calculated as a function of the area moment of inertia, and then the actual casts were tested in three-point bending on a servohydraulic apparatus. The experimental results were correlated with the calculated data, and finite element studies were performed to correlate the experimental results with the geometries of the casts. The theoretical and experimental data indicate that anterior-posterior splint lamination reinforcement stiffens a cylindrical cast to flexion-extension bending moments more effectively than does medial-lateral splint placement. An anterior fin can stiffen the cast as effectively as a splint can. However, the fin must be relatively large, which may cause it to accentuate problems with clothing and be difficult to apply.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1990

The effects of an occlusal splint on the electromyographic activities of the temporal and masseter muscles during maximal clenching in patients with a habit of nocturnal bruxism and signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders.

The effects of a full arch maxillary plane occlusal splint on the level of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the anterior temporal and masseter muscles during maximal clenching were studied in 31 patients with a habit of nocturnal bruxism and signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders, before and after occlusal splint therapy. The results showed, before treatment, that the occlusal splint changed significantly (in 71% of patients) the level of EMG activity during maximal clenching. However, these changes were not consistent and differed between patients and even, in some patients, between muscles. After long-term occlusal splint therapy and improvement of the signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders, the number of patients who had an identical level of EMG activity during maximal clenching in the intercuspal position and on the occlusal splint tended to increase. Moreover, in these patients the level of symmetry of action in pairs of muscles during maximal clenching was strong, and the splint did not change this level of symmetry.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Effect of occlusal bite-raising splint on electromyogram, motor unit histochemistry and myoneuronal dimensions in rats.

Composite resin bite-raising splints were fabricated on both sides of the upper jaw in rats. EMG activity of the deep masseter muscle was monitored continuously for 24 h before and up to 4 weeks after treatment. Together with the EMG activity, measurements of the neuromuscular junction area and muscle fibre histochemistry were made. EMG activity showed great variability immediately after splint fabrication. Some of the animals showed increased EMG activity, while others exhibited less activity 48 h after splint application. Overall, the fluctuation lasted for about 4 days, and after approximately 7 days all the animals exhibited decreased EMG activity, followed by a gradual increase in activity towards baseline levels. The neuromuscular junction territory increased significantly 5-10 days after splint application. Histochemical characterization of the deep masseter muscle revealed that it contained the three main types of muscle fibre: slow oxidative (SO), fast-oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast glycolytic (FG). The frequency distribution of fibre types did not change after bite-raising splint treatment. These findings indicated that splint treatment in rats is effective in reducing EMG activity, while the muscle type characteristics remain stable. The effect of lower activity on the motor end-plates suggested that the neuromuscular junctions are quite sensitive to functional changes.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1991

Functional splinting versus plaster cast for ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. A prospective randomized study of 63 cases.

In a prospective randomized study that included 63 consecutive thumbs with injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb, plaster cast immobilization was compared with functional treatment with a splint. The splint allowed flexion and extension of the MCP joint, but prevented ulnar and radial deviation of the thumb. The study included both operated on and nonoperated on cases where surgery was performed only when the torn ligament was regarded as displaced. Of 40 thumbs treated nonsurgically, 21 were treated with a cast and 19 with a splint. Of 23 thumbs treated surgically, 10 were immobilized postoperatively in a plaster cast and 13 were treated with the splint. At the follow-up examination after 15 (11-41) months, there was no difference between the treatment groups as regards stability, range of motion, strength of the injured thumb, and length of sick leave. However, the patients considered the splint more comfortable than plaster cast immobilization. We conclude that immobilization of the thumb after a ligamentous injury with a movable splint is strongly preferred by the patients and that the functional results of this technique are equal to plaster cast immobilization after both surgical and nonsurgical treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

An adjustable splint for forearm supination.

The adjustable supination splint is used in select cases in which traditional mobilization therapy is not productive in supination gains. The success of the splint varies depending on many factors, including the type and severity of the injury; the timing of the intervention; the patient's age; and the patient's tolerance of and compliance with the treatment program. The therapist must consult with the physician and have his or her approval before initiating the treatment regimen. Splint use is contraindicated in patients with unstable fractures or with injuries that require surgical intervention before splinting. Therapists should watch for edema, pain, and neurological changes. Depending on the severity of these symptoms, the splint may need to be discontinued or the wearing time and tension adjusted. In our experience at Union Memorial Hospital and in our weighing of the above considerations, we have found favorable results in the use of the adjustable supination splint, with gains in range of motion and function in select patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Temporomandibular joint movement. Evaluation of protrusive splint therapy with GRASS MR imaging.

Ten temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 5 healthy volunteers and 19 TMJs of internal derangements in 16 patients with splint therapy were examined with MR imaging. T1-weighted images were obtained only in the closed mouth position, and gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (GRASS) images were obtained in active opening and closing phases, allowing a pseudodynamic display of TMJ movement. All patients received protrusive splint treatment. The usefulness of MR imaging to assess the efficacy of splint therapy was evaluated. Corrected disk position with the splint in place was clearly demonstrated in 9 TMJs, corresponding with elimination of reciprocal clicking. Ten other TMJs of anterior disk displacement without reduction showed uncorrected disk position by the splint. This information could confirm the therapeutic efficacy, or suggest other treatment alternatives. GRASS MR imaging can provide accurate and physiologic information about disk function in initial and follow-up assessment of protrusive splint therapy.

Adolescent↗