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Ulnar deviation splints
Ulnar Deviation Splints--D. W. Collins
ULNAR DEVIATION SPLINTS D. W, COLLINS, Roehampton During the early development of an artificial hand it was discovered that much of its malfunction was similar to that of the human hand when it is rendered inactive by disease or trauma. While attempting to correct the dynamic imbalance of the artificial hand, it became apparent that at the same time some thought could be given to splinting problems. The range of Lively Splints, constructed of spring wire and plastic troughs, were designed to give alignment of the fingers and opposition by the thumb, leaving no protruding wires to catch on clothing or preclude the use of gloves or pockets. A very important feature of these splints is that they can be fitted by occupational or physiotherapists or orthotists, without the use of tools, and they are easily put on by the patient. The one shown is for ulnar deviation of the fingers (known as Type 3)--a new splint that has so far only been fitted to one case, The photograph shows the right hand with a Type 2 splint, and the left hand with a Type 3 splint. The sixty-year old patient had rheumatoid arthritis eight and a half years' ago and is still suffering from ulnar deviation; more so in the left hand. Therefore Type 3 splint is used as it gives greater support.
Fig. 1 A patient with rheumatoid arthritis wearing two types of ulnar deviation splint. The splint is constructed from transparent plastic material. The support portion extends across the dorsal aspect of the hand and continues around the ulnar border and stops at about one third of the volar span, while the other end of the support hooks over the first metacarpal. At this point there is a pivoted wire which extends Vol. 3
No. 1
1971
21
Ulnar Deviation Splints--D. W. Collins
to the finger embracing member. This consists of two opposing corrugated parts which are hinged together so that they can be opened to permit the easy insertion of the fingers. The pivot allows the fingers to close. The finger embracing member is positioned at about the middle of the proximal phalanges. The patient's remarks after seven months' use of the splints are as follows: "I sleep with my splint on as this makes my fingers less painful in the morning. Most benefit is felt when holding heavy items such as books." There was a distinct indication that the fingers would remain in alignment when the splint was removed, but only for a short time.
22
Vol. 3
No. 1
1971
ULNAR DEVIATION SPLINTS D. W, COLLINS, Roehampton During the early development of an artificial hand it was discovered that much of its malfunction was similar to that of the human hand when it is rendered inactive by disease or trauma. While attempting to correct the dynamic imbalance of the artificial hand, it became apparent that at the same time some thought could be given to splinting problems. The range of Lively Splints, constructed of spring wire and plastic troughs, were designed to give alignment of the fingers and opposition by the thumb, leaving no protruding wires to catch on clothing or preclude the use of gloves or pockets. A very important feature of these splints is that they can be fitted by occupational or physiotherapists or orthotists, without the use of tools, and they are easily put on by the patient. The one shown is for ulnar deviation of the fingers (known as Type 3)--a new splint that has so far only been fitted to one case, The photograph shows the right hand with a Type 2 splint, and the left hand with a Type 3 splint. The sixty-year old patient had rheumatoid arthritis eight and a half years' ago and is still suffering from ulnar deviation; more so in the left hand. Therefore Type 3 splint is used as it gives greater support.
Fig. 1 A patient with rheumatoid arthritis wearing two types of ulnar deviation splint. The splint is constructed from transparent plastic material. The support portion extends across the dorsal aspect of the hand and continues around the ulnar border and stops at about one third of the volar span, while the other end of the support hooks over the first metacarpal. At this point there is a pivoted wire which extends Vol. 3
No. 1
1971
21
Ulnar Deviation Splints--D. W. Collins
to the finger embracing member. This consists of two opposing corrugated parts which are hinged together so that they can be opened to permit the easy insertion of the fingers. The pivot allows the fingers to close. The finger embracing member is positioned at about the middle of the proximal phalanges. The patient's remarks after seven months' use of the splints are as follows: "I sleep with my splint on as this makes my fingers less painful in the morning. Most benefit is felt when holding heavy items such as books." There was a distinct indication that the fingers would remain in alignment when the splint was removed, but only for a short time.
22
Vol. 3
No. 1
1971