THE PROCESS OF TREATMENT OF PSYCHOFLEXED HAND WITH DYNAMIC SPLINT

This study presents the results of the treatment afforded to seven patients with the diagnosis of psychoflexed hands. These patients had referred for treatment during the years 1984 through 1989. On the average each patient received 3.5 years of follow-up. The average age for the group was 28 years. The group included one woman the rest were male. Treatment procedure consisted of serial casting, passive manipulation, active exercises and dynamic splint. Psychotherapy was given throughout the treatment period. Psychiatric consultations were also sought. Of this number, three had excellent results, two were graded as good and one as fair. The seventh case had to be excluded because the patient developed acute psychotherapeutic problems. In contrast with other techniques that undertake the treatment of the flexion deformity of the hand without regard to psychic problems or those that undertake such treatment from psychological approaches only, both of which have had poor results, the technique used in this program seems to be a good plan of treatment for this illness because it is continuous, costs less and because the patient is constantly in touch with orthopedic specialists and with a psychiatrist.