Article

Collateral ligament shortening causes extension contractures of the
metacarpophalangeal joint, and dynamic flexion splinting has been widely used to
treat these contractures; however, there are various problems with these
approaches. We developed a novel, pneumatic-type dynamic traction and flexion
splint to solve these problems. METHODS: A total of 25
fingers were treated with the dynamic traction and flexion splint for 8 weeks.
Every 2 weeks, the average metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle, total active
motion, grasp strength, and pain scores were assessed. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: The
finger flexion angle was significantly greater at the final evaluation, starting
after 6 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05), than prior to treatment. Similarly, the
total active motion results improved significantly over 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our
results show that use of the dynamic traction and flexion splint improves patient
finger functioning and flexural angle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The dynamic traction
and flexion (DTF) splint appears to be effective for treating patients.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS