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Hyperextension
| Lateral Instability
| Flexion | MCP
Deviation | Thumb Problems
| Triggering | Combinations
HYPEREXTENSION.
Hyperextension of a finger joint beyond the neutral
position may result in a painful joint, decreased power
when pinching, and a delay in being able to bend the
finger. Without stabilizing or “blocking”
the hyperextension, the deformity can become progressively
worse. In addition to looking very abnormal, severe
hyperextension can ultimately result in a loss of function
because the joint becomes “stuck” in the hyper-extended
position. Splints for
Hyperextension.
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| LATERAL
INSTABILITY.
Sideways deviation of a finger may result in a painful
joint, disrupted normal movement, and an unstable finger
which crosses under an adjacent one. It is accentuated
when force is applied during pinching or lifting. This
deformity can be the result of injury, or lax ligaments
due to joint replacement or disease. Splints
for Lateral Instability. |
| FLEXION.
Inability to actively straighten a finger joint to the
neutral position may result in a painful joint, the inability
to open the hand wide enough to grasp objects and difficulty
when putting the hand in a pocket or putting on gloves.
This deformity can result from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, or jamming the finger during sports activities.
Splints for Flexion. |
| MCP
DEVIATION. Instability
of the joints at the base of the finger (the knuckle joints)
may allow the fingers to stray to the side or cross over
or under each other, making it difficult to hold objects
or work on a computer. If a finger cannot actively be
brought into alignment with the adjacent finger, it may
catch on things causing great pain. Splinting to hold
two fingers together, or “buddying”, creates
better alignment and improves function. Splints
for MCP Deviation. |
THUMB
PROBLEMS. Hyperextension
of the end of the thumb beyond the neutral position may
result in a painful joint, decreased power when pinching
and difficulty picking up or manipulating small objects.
Without stabilizing or “blocking” the hyperextension,
the deformity can become progressively worse, ultimately
becoming stuck in the hyperextended position, making it
impossible to pick up objects or write.
Hyperextension of the middle joint of the thumb beyond
a neutral position may result in a painful and unstable
joint, decreased power, and difficulty in grasping large
objects. Without stabilizing or “blocking” the
hyperextension, the joint can become dislocated resulting
in a loss of function. Splints
for Thumb Problems. |
| TRIGGERING.
A nodule or inflamation and “thickening”
on the flexor tendon may cause irregular movement of the
finger. The finger feels “locked” in the bent
position and when it is straightened, there is a painful
snap. Repetitive activities aggravate this condition and
pain starts limiting function. Splints may be used to
limit bending of the finger for several weeks to allow
the inflamation to diminish. This can be a reoccurring
problem with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis. Splints for Triggering. |
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COMBINATIONS.
Instability in multiple finger joints is a common occurrence
with chronic diseases. The ability to splint several
joints at the same time is critical to preserving hand
function and maintaining the normal appearance of the
fingers. To be effective splints must be lightweight,
low profile, sturdy, easy to adjust, easy to clean and
fit exactly, so that several can be worn at the same
time. Splints for Combinations.
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