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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

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↗

PubMed1996

Activity of the extrinsic finger flexors during mobilization in the Kleinert splint.

This study investigated the activity of the extrinsic finger flexor muscles during active extension in the Kleinert splint. Electromyographic data on the activity of the profundus and superficialis flexor muscles in 10 healthy subjects were recorded with use of fine needle electrodes. The subjects exercised in the original Kleinert splint as well as in several modifications of the splint, which varied with respect to (1) wrist position, (2) position in which extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint was blocked, (3) number of fingers dynamically splinted, (4) nature of the spring mechanism, (5) amount of resistance, and (6) use of a palmar pulley. Persistent flexor muscle activity during active extension was observed in the majority of subjects. This coactivity was more often observed for the superficialis muscle than for the profundus muscle. The least amount of coactivity was found when extension was least resisted. This study does not support the concept that the flexor muscles relax during resisted extension in the Kleinert splint.

Electromyography↗

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↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Splinting for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether splints are effective in decreasing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. METHODS: Case series at a military hospital of 82 pregnant women who had symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (135 hands). The author compared the ratings of eight subjective symptoms (tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, wakes you up, drops things, swelling, and stiffness) and grip (Jamar) and pinch (two-point, three-jaw, and key) strengths at the time of referral and 1 week after splinting (polyform volar splint with the wrist in 10 to 15 degrees of extension). Forty-eight women (82 hands) returned 1 month postpartum for reassessment. Grip and pinch strengths of an additional 26 women who had not had problems with their hands during pregnancy were measured 1 month postpartum. RESULTS: One week after splinting, there was an average increase of 5.4 pounds in grip strength and over 1 pound in each type of pinch strength (p < 0.0001). There was a decrease in each of the eight symptoms (range, -0.9 to -1.6; scale of 5). At 1 month postpartum, symptoms had resolved completely for 76% of the subjects (weakness had resolved for 76% and wakes you up for 93%). Strength was improved, but was not normal. However, the women who had not had hand problems during pregnancy did have normal strengths. CONCLUSIONS: Splinting is a noninvasive method for helping to decrease the uncomfortable symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Splinting in the management of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture.

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) flexion contracture is a common complication following hand injuries and conditions. This study investigated the treatment outcome of 20 subjects with PIP flexion contracture who followed a dynamic splinting program using either a Capener or low-profile outrigger. The splint applied a 250-g force to the distal end of the middle phalanx. Each patient was instructed to wear the splint for 8 to 12 hours per 24 hours for 8 weeks followed by a 2- to 3-week weaning period. Passive extension was evaluated objectively using torque range-of-motion measurement. The average pretreatment flexion contracture was 39 degrees. Final extension deficit averaged 21 degrees, an improvement of 18 degrees. There was no statistically significant effect on final results based on joint stiffness (as expressed by the slopes of the torque angle curves). Total end-range time (TERT) averaged 10 hours per 24 hours, for an average period of 4.3 months. Statistical analysis showed that splinting time was the only statistically significant factor affecting outcome. The correlation coefficients showed that the longer the contracture was present, the stiffer the joint and the less the contracture resolved. Dynamic splinting was an effective form of treatment for PIP flexion contracture.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Influence of stabilization occlusal splint on craniocervical relationships. Part I: Cephalometric analysis.

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of an occlusal splint on craniocervical relationships, in subjects with muscle spasms in the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. A full-arch maxillary stabilization occlusal splint was made for each of the 15 subjects. Two lateral craniocervical radiographs were taken for each subject, with and without an occlusal splint. Cephalometric analysis showed that the splint caused a significant extension of the head on the cervical spine. There was also a significant decrease in the cervical spine lordosis in the first, second and third cervical segment. These cervical changes could be a compensation mechanism caused by the extension of the cranium on the upper cervical spine. The change in the curvature implies that it is necessary to periodically evaluate the changes occurring in the craniocervical relationships after the occlusal splint has been inserted.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Influence of stabilization occlusal splint on craniocervical relationships. Part II: Electromyographic analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stabilization occlusal splints on electromyographic (EMG) activity of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles in subjects with spasm in the mentioned muscles. A full-arch maxillary stabilization occlusal splint was made for each of the 15 subjects. In the sternocleidomastoid muscle, tonic and saliva swallowing EMG activity decreased significantly with the splint, whereas maximal clenching activity did not change. In the trapezius muscle, no significant changes were observed with the occlusal splint. The different pattern in both muscles during tonic and swallowing EMG activity with the splint is attributed to differences in the synaptic inputs to the respective motoneuron pools, suggesting that a differential modulation of the motor neuron pools may exist of both muscles, of peripheral and/or central origin.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Effect of hand splints on stereotypic hand behavior of girls with Rett syndrome: a replication study.

The purposes of this study were to replicate a recent report of the positive effects of hand splinting on the stereotypic hand movement of children with Rett syndrome and to evaluate the generality of these results to a different setting. Two 5-year-old girls diagnosed with early Stage-III Rett syndrome were introduced to hand splints in accordance with the multiple-baseline design used in the Naganuma and Billingsley study. Splint wear ranged from 30 to 50 days for the two subjects. Data were analyzed as a percentage of time and as actual time in minutes. Unlike the previous study, in which a decrease in hand-wringing behavior was noted, neither subject in our study demonstrated a decrease in stereotypic hand behavior or a subsequent increase in independent feeding skills when wearing the splints. There was also no evidence of increased hand wringing following withdrawal of the splints. The differences in ages of the subjects and different functional levels (stages) may have been contributing factors to the conflicting results and should be considered in managing this group of children.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1989

Basic principles of splinting the hand.

This article presents the basic principles needed in the fabrication of static and dynamic splints. The principles are defined, and examples are used as illustrations. The biomechanics of dynamic splinting are described, with special attention given to low-profile dynamic splinting. Several low-profile dynamic splints are described, with current indications presented in case studies with supporting documentation for appropriate splinting protocols.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Have you tried the sandwich splint? A method of preventing hand deformities in children.

The prevention of contractures of the burned hand is an arduous problem in the young pediatric burn patient. Difficulty in applying splints, along with the time-consuming fabrication of complex splints, led to the development of the "sandwich" splint. This easily produced splint provides a means of preventing and treating hand deformities in this patient age group. Positive results have been noted with the use of this splint in conjunction with the patient's usual active physical therapy program.

Burns↗