CORRECTIVE SPLINTS IN THE STIFFNESS OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT AS A RESULT OF TRAUMA

Abstract

Reduced passive range of motion (PROM) of the interphalangeal joints of the hand is a common consequence after a traumatic injury. Although mobilizing splinting has become a rehabilitative approach widely accepted by therapists to improve PROM, limited empirical evidence is available to guide in its prescription. This study investigates the effect of corrective splinting on flexion contracture of the finger proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) after a traumatic injury of the hand. Seventeen patients with finger flexion contracture of the PIP as a result of an industrial accident participated in the experimental study. The passive range of motion of the PIP joint was measured with a finger goniometer and patients were randomly allocated to one of two splint programs. Subjects in group A were given dynamic extension splints, and subjects in group B were given static splints. PROM was re- assessed with a goniometer once the patient was discharged and started working again. Results indicated significant improvement in both groups in the correction of the finger flexion contracture (p<0,05). Patients with dynamic finger extension splints did not differ significantly from those with static splints in extension gains. Both types of splints can be recommended for flexion contractures of 35 degrees or less in the PIP joint after a traumatic injury.