Pneumatic-type dynamic traction and flexion splint for treating patients with extension contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: 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.

CASE DESCRIPTION AND 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.