A dynamic finger flexion loop.

Thp American/ournal o/Occupa/iollal Tberapy j oint stiffness and soft tissue contractu res of the fingers are common problems treated by the occupational therapist specializing in hand therapy. It is Widely accepted that dynamic splinting in combination with range-of-motion exercises is the most effective way of managing these problems. The rationale, prinCiples, and objectives of dynamic splinting or range of motion are presented in the numerous texts and articles written about these subjects (Brand, 1984; Colditz, 1984; Fess, 1984; Malick, 1982; McEntee, 1984) The purpose of this article is to describe an effective dynamic splint for the management of joint stiffness and soft tissue contractu res of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of digits 2-5 The finger flexion loop is unique when compared with similar splints documented in the literature (Colditz, 1984, English, Rehm, & Petzoldt, 1982; Enos, Lane, & MacDougal, 1984; McEntee, 1984) in that the flexion loop is fabricated with a separate elastic traction system that allows for controlled and directed tension (see Figure 1). The traCtion system of the loop lies perpendicular to the skeletal axis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. As maximum flexion is attained at the DIP joint, the force of the pull is direCted to and acts on the prOXimal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The combination of these forces maximizes passive range of motion of both the DIP and PIP joints. Additionally, by positioning the traction at the distal end of the distal phalanx, the length of the lever arm is increased, thus prOViding a greater mechanical advantage for the application of force (Brand, 1984; Malick, 1982) The loop is fabricated from a padded non stretch strapping material available through most splint produCts catalogs. During our 2 years of clinical experience with the splint, we noted that this material is