Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) flexion contracture is a common complication following hand injuries and conditions. This study investigated the treatment outcome of 20 subjects with PIP flexion contracture who followed a dynamic splinting program using either a Capener or low-profile outrigger. The splint applied a 250-g force to the distal end of the middle phalanx. Each patient was instructed...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of the Rapid Form Cervical Vacuum Immobilizer in controlling the cervical spine movements of a football player wearing shoulder pads and a helmet. DESIGN AND SETTING We used a 1-group, repeated-measures experimental design to radiographically assess cervical spine range of motion with and without the Rapid Form Cervical Vacuum Immobilizer. Two experime...

PURPOSE This pilot study was designed to test the hypothesis that the use of a single oral splint may aggravate respiratory disturbance in sleep apneic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A group of 10 patients with a history of snoring and a recording night confirming a diagnosis of sleep apnea were included. Patients were then invited to spend 2 nights in the sleep laboratory: night 2 to establ...

UNLABELLED Splinting the thumb in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) is a common practice; however, research evidence is lacking to support the use of one specific splint design. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of two different splints on hand function, pain, and hand strength in adults with CMC OA. Fifty-six participants were assigned randomly to splint order in a two-p...

We investigated how repetitive hand activity normally affects carpal tunnel pressure and whether a flexible wrist splint can influence this effect. Nineteen healthy subjects were evaluated under four test conditions: at rest with and without a wrist splint (baseline) and while performing a repetitive task with and without a wrist splint. The task involved loading and unloading 1 lb. cans from a...

There have been no studies reported on the difference in cortical activation during use of volar and dorsal hand splints. We attempted to investigate the difference in cortical activation in the somatosensory cortical area during use of volar and dorsal hand splints by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We recruited eight healthy volunteers. fMRI was performed while subjects who were...

There is some controversial discussion within the therapy of craniomandibular disorders (CMDs) about the mode of action of occlusal splints. Here we present a case report on one CMD-patient measuring cerebral activation changes with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after therapy with a stabilization splint. Wearing the Michigan splint for 11 nights and partially days resu...

IMPORTANCE The study demonstrates use of a novel intervention for severe tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). OBJECTIVE To test a novel, 3-dimensionally (3D) printed, bioresorbable airway splint for efficacy in extending survival in a porcine model of severe, life-threatening TBM. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A randomized, prospective animal trial was used to evaluate an external airway splint as treatm...

AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the flexibility of five different splint systems [polyethylene fibre-reinforced splint (Ribbond THM, Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA), resin splint (RS), wire-composite splint (WCS), button-bracket splint (BS) and titanium trauma splint (TTS)] commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of dental traumatic injuries involving the periodontal suppo...