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Resur-splint fixation for cross-leg flaps. Case report.

Methods for the fixation of cross-leg flaps are reviewed, and an improved form of splint fixation is presented. The fixation is based on pre-operatively constructed splints of the plastic material Resur Trovidur PE. The splints can easily be removed and remounted, the material can be sterilized, the fixation can be employed and adjusted during the operation. The method has been used in 2 cases and proved applicable both during the operation and in the subsequent immobilization period.

Adult↗

A clinical study on SSP (silver spike point) electro-therapy combined with splint therapy for temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.

When the functional limits of the muscles related to the temporo-mandibular joint and adjacent tissue exceed their anatomical capability, pain, crepitation, and functional abnormality appear as the main complaints. Although the precise nature of the condition is unknown, pain at the temporo-mandibular joint sometimes in combination with muscular tension is assumed to be due to compression of the myoneural mechanism. It is reported that occlusal lifting using a splint enables the alleviation of this muscular tension. On the other hand, there are only a few reports on the usefulness of SSP therapy for Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction. We studied the efficacy of SSP therapy combined with splint therapy in 33 patients diagnosed as having Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction who consulted our department primarily due to pain, and report our findings below. Evaluation of the results was conducted 2 weeks later. Very beneficial results were seen in 6 cases. Beneficial results were seen in 7 cases. Slightly beneficial results were seen in 18 cases, while there were no changes found in 2 cases. When combined SSP and splint therapies were conducted for Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction, favorable results were seen in about 90% of the cases.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗

Splint immobilization of gamekeeper's thumb.

Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with 40 acute complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated primarily with thumb spica splint immobilization. Duration of splinting ranged from 8 to 12 weeks. Thirty-four of these injuries (85%) followed for 1 to 5 years (average 2.4 years) healed without significant instability, arthrosis, pain, or stiffness (range of motion within 80% of the contralateral hand). Six ruptures (15%) demonstrated persistent instability and pain at 12 weeks and were treated with surgical reconstruction. Currently accepted guidelines for surgical intervention as primary treatment for ligamentous disruption at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint may need revision. This study suggests that splint immobilization is an effective primary treatment modality. The minority of patients who demonstrate persistent laxity can be successfully treated surgically with excellent results.

Adolescent↗

Effects of splinting in the treatment of hand contractures in progressive systemic sclerosis.

One of the major factors in the decreasing functional ability of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis is involvement of the patient's hands with secondary immobility and contractures. In a 2-month study of 19 patients, we assessed whether dynamic splinting could decrease proximal interphalangeal (PIP) flexion contractures. Of the eight patients who completed the study, one experienced a statistically significant improvement in PIP range of motion as a result of the splinting. There was no evidence that the use of the splints served to maintain PIP extension when compared with the control hand.

Contracture↗

A dynamic traction splint for the management of extrinsic tendon tightness.

The dynamic traction splint designed by therapists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center is used for the management of extrinsic extensor tendon tightness commonly seen in brachial plexus injuries and traumatic soft tissue injuries of the upper extremity. The two components of the splint allow for simultaneous maximum flexion of the MCP and IP joints. This simple and economical splint provides an additional modality to any occupational therapy service involved in the management of upper extremity disorders.

Finger Joint↗

Hand splinting for infants in the intensive care and special care nurseries.

Infants in intensive care nurseries often have hand deformities and hand dysfunction. The traditional therapeutic approaches to hand care used in the treatment of adults, young children, and older infants are not always adequate to prevent progressive deformity in preterm and neonatal infants. Medical instability, time constraints, lack of family participation in the therapeutic program, the complexity of the treatment program, and fear of harming the infant are considerations that may indicate the need for splinting as an adjunctive therapeutic intervention. A number of factors are particularly important in making splints for infants, including splint alignment and padding, strap attachment, and thermoplastic malleability.

Hand Deformities↗

The effects of a short thumb opponens splint on hand function in cerebral palsy: a single-subject study.

An AB single-subject research design was used to assess the effectiveness of a short thumb opponens splint on hand function in a 4-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. Baseline data for active range of motion, grip and pinch strength, grasp patterns, the Box and Block Test of manual dexterity (Mathiowetz, Voland, Kashman, & Weber, 1985), and 1-in. cube stacking were collected twice a week for 4 weeks. The child was fitted with a short thumb opponens splint, which was worn 6 hr during the day and all night for 4 weeks. The twice-weekly measures of the dependent variables continued during the treatment phase. Visual and statistical analysis of the data indicate that the child showed a clinically significant improvement in palmar and radial abduction, thumb opposition, grip strength, performance on the Box and Block Test scores, cube stacking, and lateral pinch. These results suggest that for this child with cerebral palsy, the use of a short thumb opponens splint improved underlying aspects of hand function as well as hand function itself. Replication of this study with a more complex single-subject design involving more subjects is recommended to confirm these results.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

A belly gutter splint for proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture.

Various splints are available for the correction of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture in patients with hand injuries. This article discusses the mechanics of several splints. The belly gutter splint, an alternative design that can be used for this contracture, is introduced.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Comparative effects of bilateral hand splints and an elbow orthosis on stereotypic hand movements and toy play in two children with Rett syndrome.

A single-subject rapidly alternating treatment design was used to compare the effectiveness of bilateral hand splints and an elbow orthosis in decreasing stereotypic hand behaviors and increasing toy play in 2 children with Rett syndrome. The subjects' responses were compared across three treatment conditions: no intervention, hand splints, and elbow orthosis. The order of the treatment phases was randomly selected for each subject. Data were collected in both a free-time condition and a toy-play condition; the outcome measures were stereotypic hand movements and hand-to-toy contact. Both subjects demonstrated a decrease in stereotypic hand movements and a corresponding increase in toy contact with the use of the elbow orthosis. The bilateral hand splints had no obvious treatment effect.

Child↗

The effect of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint on tone and function: a single-case study.

OBJECTIVE: This single-case study was designed to duplicate Smelt's (1989) study of the effects of the application of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint on upper-extremity muscle tone and function in a child with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Data on tone were collected by tracing the hand when weight bearing in the extended arm posture. Data on function were collected by observing block play for active grasp and voluntary release and ball play. RESULTS: Results indicate that after the application of an inhibitive weight-bearing splint, tone changed minimally, fine motor functional task changes were variable, and arm-hand position improved. Subjective reports by family and other caregivers, however, suggest that tone decreased and function increased. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the need to find more accurate means of measuring changes of tone and function in children with cerebral palsy. Selection criteria for suitable candidates for the weight-bearing splint are presented.

Arm↗

Neoprene splinting: dermatological issues.

Occupational therapists are expanding their use of custom and commercial soft splints fabricated from neoprene (polychloroprene), but little has been written regarding dermatological issues associated with this material. Skin contact with neoprene poses two dermatological risks: allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and miliaria rubra (i.e., prickly heat). Allergic reaction to neoprene is generally ascribed to the accelerants used to manufacture the man-made rubber, specifically thiourea compounds and mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). Symptoms of neoprene-related ACD include itching, skin eruptions, swelling, and hemorrhages into the skin. Miliaria rubra creates small, red, elevated, inflammatory papules and a tingling, burning sensation. Although neoprene hypersensitivity is rare, its incidence may grow as neoprene becomes a more commonly used material. It is recommended that therapists screen patients for a history of dermatological reactions to neoprene or other materials containing thiourea compounds or MBT and educate patients to discontinue splint use if dermatological symptoms develop. Therapists are also encouraged to notify splint manufacturers regarding all ACD reactions.

Adult↗

Union and complications after Thomas splint and early hip spica for femoral shaft fractures in children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the time of union, degree of shortening and angulations in coronal and sagittal plane in children after applying Thomas splint and early hip spica for the treatment of isolated closed femoral shaft fractures. DESIGN: Interventional quasi-experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Orthopedic department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from December 2002 to January 2004. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 100 patients of either gender selected by non-probability convenience with closed unilateral femoral shaft fracture were equally divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated with Thomas splint and Group B with early hip spica casting. Above mentioned variables were noted in both groups. RESULTS: In group A, there were 60% (n = 30) males and 40% (n = 20) females. In group B, there were 62% (n = 31) males and 38% (n = 19) females. Mean age was 6.94 + 2.75 years in group A and 5.48 + 2.67 years in group B. Time of union, degree of shortening and angulations in coronal and sagittal plane were not significantly different in two groups. Duration of stay in hospital was 4.82 + 2.4 days in group A and 3.68 + 2.11 days in group B. CONCLUSION: Results comparable to early hip spica cast can be obtained with Thomas splint in children with isolated closed femoral shaft fracture.

Casts, Surgical↗

Night splint treatment for plantar fasciitis. A prospective randomized study.

A prospective randomized study of 116 patients with plantar fasciitis was performed to determine the effectiveness of adjuvant night splint therapy in relieving the acute symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Patients were randomized into one of two groups. Patients in Group 1 were treated with 1 month of oral antiinflammatory medication, Achilles stretching exercises, and shoe recommendations. Patients in Group 2 received identical treatment but also used a dorsiflexion night splint for 3 months. Blinded clinical review of patients was performed at 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Health status data Short Form 36 also was collected at these times and again at an average 19 months of followup. Overall, 68% of patients reported improvement with this nonoperative protocol for a 12-week period. No statistical difference was seen with the presence or absence of a night splint. In addition, no differences in improvement rates were observed with gender, duration of antecedent symptoms, the presence of bilateral symptoms, or the presence of a heel spur. Age older than 45 years did prove to be a statistically significant poor prognostic factor for improvement at the 12-week follow-up. Short Form 36 data obtained at baseline showed significantly lowered perception of health when compared with age matched controls. Patients in both treatment groups had significant improvement in Short Form 36 scores with 12 weeks of conservative care.

Fasciitis↗

"Supersplint": a new dynamic combination splint for the burned hand.

Dynamic splinting for the burned hand is used worldwide. We previously presented a home hand therapy program. This program included a series of dynamic splints made by the occupational therapist for daily use by the patient. The "supersplint" evolved from the need to reduce the time required to manufacture the splints for the home therapy program; it also reduced patient-therapist sessions in the occupational therapy unit. The supersplint provides active-resistive movements of the fingers and thumb. As range of motion progresses, resistance can be increased to strengthen muscles and tendons. The supersplint provides tendon gliding, helps control edema, prevents muscle disuse, prevents skin and capsular contracture, minimizes complications, and helps prevent deformities. The patient uses the supersplint daily as part of an occupational therapy program that includes activities of daily living, prevention of shoulder hand syndrome, and scar therapy (including pressure garments).

Activities of Daily Living↗

A simple effective splinting technique for the mallet finger.

We describe an inexpensive, simple, and effective technique for the closed treatment of mallet fingers. This technique splints the mallet finger in 0 degrees of extension. It is simple, readily reproducible, and easy to use, requiring materials that are readily available to any physician. Thirty-seven patients, ages 21 to 65 years, presented with a closed mallet finger injury at day zero to 5 months after injury. Ten of these patients had a fracture. All were treated with this splinting technique. We report excellent results in 35 of 37 patients, who recovered either complete or near-complete active extension. Our results compare favorably with results from other techniques and splints.

Adult↗

A portable Bohler-Braun splint.

Bohler-Braun is used in the conservative management of fractures of the lower limb. The splint is cumbersome making it difficult to work with in situation where compactness of the splint is required. This work is a modification of the splint into a portable version.

Equipment Design↗

Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures and splints in periodontally compromised patients: a 10-year follow-up.

In the present study, 139 periodontally compromised patients received a complete periodontal treatment; in 104 cases this was followed by orthodontic treatment. At the end of the entire therapy, a total of 150 Maryland restorations (69 resin-bonded fixed partial dentures and 81 resin-bonded splints) was placed and then followed for a period of up to 10 years (mean 6.7 y). Thirteen fixed partial dentures and 16 splints failed during the observation period; the 10-year cumulative survival rate from lifetable analysis was 76.2% (70.6% for fixed partial dentures and 80.7% for splints).

Adult↗

Predictability of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery using "piggyback" intermediate splints.

Ten consecutive patients underwent bimaxillary surgery including segmental Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies. All 10 patients were symmetric skeletal Class II malocclusion with an anterior open bite. Asymmetry cases were excluded. Dimensional changes depicted on the cephalometric prediction tracing were reproduced in the model surgery and then transferred to the patient during the operative procedure using a "piggyback" intermediate splint. All dimensional changes, except vertical, were transferred from the model surgery to the patient intraoperatively by using a "piggyback" intermediate splint. The accuracy of this transfer and final skeletal result was examined. All the data clearly showed that in no case was any discrepancy greater than 2 mm, which demonstrates the predictable results that can be achieved by using a "piggyback" intermediate splint in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Cephalometry↗