Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS)

Abstract

Finger stiffness may arise from injuries, surgeries, or hand-related medical conditions, impacting hand function and overall well-being in daily life. Rehabilitation and hand therapy play a crucial role in restoring optimal range of motion, strength, and functionality. This article introduces the Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS), a dynamic splint designed for active finger movement applicable in post-trauma or postoperative rehabilitation. SFSS empowers patients to perform self-administered stretching exercises, expediting recovery and improving compliance. Its versatility extends to postoperative rehabilitation, covering cases like tenolysis of extensor tendons or rehabilitation after fracture healing. While particularly effective for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) stiffness, SFSS remains valuable for managing isolated finger stiffness and proves beneficial in addressing multiple-digit stiffness.

Keywords: finger stiffness; flexion contracture; occupational therapy; splint; tenolysis.

Figure 1. Drawing the model on the thermoplastic sheets

A: Using the patient hand to draw the model to customize the splint. B: Preparing the model on a thermoplastic sheet. PIP: proximal interphalangeal joint; DIP: distal interphalangeal joint

Figure 2. Middle finger Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS)

A: The proposed model for the middle finger, the ring around the index and ring finger, can be completed to a full ring or kept open. B, C: Middle SFSS dorsal and volar view. Note the different levels of splint to fit the middle phalanx at the index and ring finger. Flexion force from the index and ring fingers is used to bend the middle finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), including the index and ring finger, to control rotation.

Figure 3. Index and ring finger Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS)

A, B: The proposed index and middle finger splint, different views; similarly, the ring around the middle finger can be completed to complete the ring. Including three fingers to control rotation and make the splint more efficient. C, D: Dorsal and volar view of index and ring SFSS, with the adjustment for splint to fit a patient finger over the middle phalanx.

Figure 4. Little finger splint

A: Dorsal view. B: Volar view. Because of the unleveled middle phalanx of the little finger with ring and middle, the splint was adjusted to fit the middle phalanx of the middle, ring, and little fingers.

Figure 5. Yoke splint for the middle finger

This splint permits flexion lag compared to other fingers during flexion of fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) to protect extensor tendon repair during rehabilitation. A: With finger extension. B: With finger flexion. Similarly, adjustment of the splint to fit the proximal phalanx is needed.