gms | German Medical Science

Clinical issue/s: A design of simple palmar thumb opposition splint for positioning and helping hand function.

This splint stabilizes thumb when thenar muscle are weakened, 1st carpometacarpal joint pain or other thumb problem. The simple hand splint cover palm, curving and conforming to the thenar web space, holding the thumb in opposition.

Objective: To share an innovative palmar thumb opposition splint that easy to fabricate andcost effectiveness.

Materials and Methods:

1.

Splint material 3.2 mm (6" x 2")

2.

Velcro2" width loop

3.

Velcro2" width adhesive hook

Fabrication

Marked a dot at mid width and 1" from thumb side, punch a hole to make room for thumb by rotator puncher. After splint material was soften, put patient's thumb in a hole and gently pulled thermoplastic to set the thumb in opposition to the index and middle finger, kept transverse arch of hand. The ulnar side of splint should cover almost half of a dorsal hand.

In the case of a patient who had thumb weakness, make a curve line at base of thenar space for 1st web space and thumb. Cut along this curve line (carpometacarpal joint area). This part would support metacarpophalangeal joint, 1st web space and proximal phalanx of thumb.

Finished edges by reheating and bend it over away from skin

Flare proximal and dorsal edges to protect disruption wrist movement, distal and palmar edge are not to limit metacarpophalangeal flexion.

Results: All of patients who applied a simple palmar thumb opposition splint could do more activities especially eating, writing and computerizing. Around 70% of them could pick up coins and button up.

Contribution to advancing HT practice: Conclusions: Simple palmar thumb opposition splint focuses on thumb and also allowing free movement of wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints. It can be used substituted for another thumb opposition splint. This splint designed is trying to present more option for therapist to use.