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 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

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↗

PubMed1983

Low profile dynamic splinting of the injured hand.

Dynamic splinting is a well-accepted modality in gaining joint motion in the injured hand. Presented is a splinting design system referred to as "low profile" dynamic splinting whereby high outriggers are avoided. A review of the literature reveals that this technique is based on the original design approach used by Dr. Sterling Bunnell. Described are the basic principles of the low profile design system, with illustrations of the system in specific splints and specific construction details. This splinting system is indicated for a stiff hand that has sustained direct trauma. Hands with a muscle imbalance secondary to a central nervous system or peripheral nerve lesion require a different splinting approach, which is not within the scope of this paper.

Finger Injuries↗

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↗

PubMed1994

[Splinting in the treatment of small intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions].

The article discusses the results of small intestine splinting in various modifications with the use of a standard and specially designed silicon catheter. In the period between 1985 and 1990 operations were performed on 28 patients whose ages ranged from 16 to 81 years; all of them were operated on in a state of acute obstruction of the small intestine by adhesions, no fatal outcomes occurred. Various combinations of interventions were accomplished in 5 cases. The splinting catheter had to be removed prematurely in 2 cases because of stoma suppuration; one patient was operated on again 12 months after splinting, a doubtful result was noted in another 3 cases. In the early period the splinting catheter ensures adequate decompression of the intestine and effective prevention of postoperative paresis. The method for fixation of the standard splinting catheter is chosen individually depending on the concrete intraoperative situation. A special catheter with an inflatable cuff can be used which allows splinting of the small intestine without opening its lumen.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1982

Ureteral splints: results of a survey.

The results of a survey concerning ureteral splints are reported. Of the respondents 70 per cent preferred the term splint to stent. There was general agreement that a splint should be used in any complicated pyeloplasty as well as in any patient undergoing an operation on the ureter or ureteropelvic junction draining a solitary kidney. Additionally, use of a splint after repair of ureteral injuries by a general urologist was believed advisable. Splints are not absolutely necessary in uncomplicated pyeloplasties and in most simple ureteroneocystostomies. Most urologists use ureteral splints, and believe that they do little or no harm and rather consistently terminate in a good postoperative result.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Some biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle in athletes with and without shin splints.

Thirteen adult male athletes (long-distance runners and orienteerers without foot problems) and 35 male athletes with shin splints were compared with respect to: 1) the position of the lower leg and the heel while standing, 2) the passive range of mobility in the subtalar joint, and 3) the angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg (Achilles tendon angle) while running with bare feet on a treadmill. In standing, the two groups differed statistically significantly in the Achilles tendon angle, which values were greater in the shin splint group. With respect to passive mobility, the athletes with shin splints had significantly greater (P less than 0.05-0.01) angular displacement values in inversion, eversion, and in their sum than the control group. While running, the Achilles tendon angle of the shin splint group was significantly greater (P less than 0.01) at the heel strike. Further, the shin splints group had a significantly greater (P less than 0.01) angular displacement between the heel strike and the maximal everted position. The results suggest structural and functional differences in the feet and ankles between healthy athletes and those with shin splints.

Achilles Tendon↗

PubMed1976

The influence of fixed splints on mandibular flexure.

The degree of mandibular flexure during forced opening of the jaws with various fixed splints in place was measured. Significant results indicate that: (1) all splints tested reduce the amount of mandibular flexure; (2) the reduction of measured mandibular flexure cannot be explained solely by tooth movement, rather it is indicative of a limitation of bony flexure by fixed splints; (3) extensive mandibular splints flex during forced opening; and (4) fixed prostheses involving many teeth do not completely inhibit mandibular flexure. Inhibition of mandibular flexure apparently increases as more teeth are splinted and more rigid attachments are used.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Effect of occlusal splints on the electromyographic activities of masseter muscles during maximum clenching in patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome.

Integrated EMG activities of masseter muscles during maximum voluntary isometric contraction with and without full-arch maxillary stabilization splints were observed in patients with MPD syndrome having occlusal interferences and in healthy subjects having no occlusal interferences. The masseter muscle activity was more significantly reduced in patients with MPD syndrome during maximum clenching with splints than in those patients without splints. In healthy subjects, such a significant difference could not be observed with and without splints. This finding suggests that the elimination of the occlusal interferences by means of occlusal splints could reduce the degree of sensory information from the periodontal receptors during nocturnal clenching or grinding. This could result in a decrease in masseter muscle activity giving rise to muscular relaxation.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1982

A parallel tube provisional splint technique.

Splinting does not replace occlusal and periodontal therapy, but it is frequently a useful adjunct to such treatment. A parallel tube splint technique that is effective for provisional splinting and simple to place has been presented. It does not require extensive tooth reduction or restorative dentistry, nor does it result in overcontouring or problems for the periodontal tissues (Figs. 16 to 19). The splint is easy to clean and maintain; it is also inexpensive when compared to other types of splints. Clinical evaluation of this technique is continuing and will be reported at a later date.

Dental Instruments↗

PubMed1983

Compound splint for comminuted mandibular fracture.

Maintenance of an adequate airway, control of bleeding, and neurologic evaluation should take precedence over treatment of facial injuries. Comminuted mandibular fractures are rare and require the use of complex splints. Severe lacerations and bone displacement accompany comminuted mandibular fractures. Extraoral facial splints constructed from donor facial moulages can be used along with intraoral splints for these patients. Preaccident photographs and radiographs are excellent aids to help realign the fractured segments. The use of an extraoral "donor" splint in conjunction with an intraoral splint to stabilize comminuted mandibular fracture helps to eliminate unnecessary gross removal of mandibular bone.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed1992

Temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction. Treatment with flat occlusal splint versus no treatment.

A flat occlusal splint has been extensively used in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction, but no studies with untreated controls have assessed its effect. We randomly assigned 51 patients with temporomandibular joint pain and arthrographically verified disk displacement without reduction to be treated with a flat occlusal splint or to serve as untreated control subjects in a 12-month clinical trial. Pain symptoms disappeared in about one third of the patients in each group. Another third of the patients in the control group improved. Sixteen percent of the patients in the control group and 40% of the patients treated with a flat occlusal splint were worse at the end than at the beginning of the study. Joint pain and muscle tenderness decreased more frequently in the nontreatment controls than in the treatment group. A statistically significant benefit of a flat occlusal splint over nontreatment control subjects could not be identified in this study of patients with painful disk displacement without reduction. The use of a flat occlusal splint in this patient group should therefore be reconsidered.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Soft occlusal splint therapy in the treatment of migraine and other headaches.

Fifty-seven patients suffering from migraine, tension headache or tension vascular headache were prescribed a soft occlusal splint for night-time wear. Dental, psychosocial/psychiatric and neurological data were recorded prior to commencement of therapy and at the conclusion of a 3 month treatment period. A statistically significant number of patients presenting with migraine or tension vascular headache experienced marked improvement or complete relief of headache symptoms, but most patients suffering from tension headache failed to benefit from splint therapy. A majority of patients displaying intercurrent features of craniomandibular dysfunction experienced reduction in these symptoms also. There was a statistically significant association between TMJ improvement and headache type. Prior to treatment, patients who subsequently benefited from splint therapy in terms of headache improvement had experienced significantly fewer headaches than patients who failed to respond, although headache intensity and duration were similar in both groups. It is suggested that headache type and frequency may be prognostic indicators of the likely success of dental splint therapy in treatment of headache. Nevertheless, the use of occlusal splints in the treatment of patients complaining of headache in the absence of evidence of craniomandibular dysfunction should not be embarked upon until medical examination has excluded the possibility of organic neurological disorder.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

The efficacy of oral splints in the treatment of myofascial pain of the jaw muscles: a controlled clinical trial.

Oral splints are widely used in the treatment of myofascial pain of masticatory muscles, even though their mechanism of action is unknown. The present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of splints using a parallel, randomized, controlled and blind design. Following a sample size estimation, 63 subjects were recruited and assigned to 3 groups: (1) passive control: full occlusal splint worn only 30 min at each appointment; (2) active control: palatal splint worn 24 h/day; and (3) treatment: full occlusal splint worn 24 h/day. On each of 7 visits over 10 weeks, subjects rated on 100 mm visual analogue scales their pain intensity and unpleasantness at rest and after experimental mastication. The effect of pain on the quality of life was also rated on category scales. All pain ratings decreased significantly with time, and quality of life improved for all 3 groups. However, there were no significant differences between groups in any of the variables. These data suggest that the gradual reduction in the intensity and unpleasantness of myofascial pain, as well as the improvement of quality of life during the trial, was non-specific and not related to the type of treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Long-term functional results of prosthetic airway splinting in tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia.

The long-term functional results of splinting a collapsing major airway with a silastic Marlex mesh prosthesis were assessed. Six patients in whom follow-up has been longer than 4 years (mean 5.3 years) were studied. The prosthetic semirigid splints had been implanted in five children with tracheomalacia and one with bronchomalacia. Mean age at the time of airway splinting was 4 years (range 6 months to 8 years). At their last clinical evaluation, all six children were leading normal active lives. Three had mild respiratory symptoms not related to the splinting. The only long-term complication was a serous effusion that developed around the splint and compressed the trachea in one child 2 years postoperatively. Tracheal fluoroscopy, barium swallow, and computed tomography scans of the trachea in five patients demonstrated satisfactory tracheal caliber without airway collapse during expiration and coughing. Pulmonary function testing showed a mild increase in airway resistance in one child who had had a tracheostomy. These results demonstrate that the application of composite synthetic graft to a segment of a malacic airway in young patients can provide long-term relief from airway collapse without compromising airway growth.

Airway Obstruction↗

PubMed1986

The reaction of the periodontium to different types of splints. (I). Clinical aspects.

To study the influence of splints on the periodontia over a period of time, Obwegeser and Merkx splints were applied on beagles. Clinical evaluation using different periodontal parameters was carried out before, and 48 h, 3 weeks and 6 weeks after splinting. It was shown that both splints act as plaque-retentive devices and provoke gingival inflammation. A statistically significant difference between both splints could, however, only be demonstrated for the plaque index.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

The Kleinert dynamic splint: where it fails and how it can be modified.

After primary tenoraphy of flexor tendons one often finds a hampered function of the DIP-joint. Analysis of the pattern of early mobilization exercised by our patients in the Kleinert splint and analysis of the excursions of the flexor tendons of fresh unembalmed specimens brought us to the conclusion that the Kleinert dynamic splint fails in maintaining a sliding movement of the deep and the superficial flexor tendons along each other because the splint excludes motion at the distal interphalangeal joint. Based on our observations we modified the Kleinert dynamic splint. Our experience with 37 patients shows that this modified splint gives a better function in the DIP-joint.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1987

[Influence of a splint in maintaining the opening of the first web in arthritis of the base of the thumb].

Trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb includes an progressive aspect in the form of contracture of the first web. The wearing of a C-shaped bar splint is designed to prevent this contracture. The heat-molded plastic splint used by the authors is characterised by the following 3 points: reduction, stabilisation and comfort. The authors have systematically evaluated the action of the splint by measuring the variations in the M1M2 and TM1 angles on X-rays with and without the splint. Analysis of the quantitative data and of the X-rays shows an improvement in the opening of the first web and a reduction in the subluxation of the trapezometacarpal joint. Although they did not analyse the intrinsic process, the authors also noted a very marked reduction in pain (90% of cases) by wearing the splint.

Aged↗