Relative motion splint: active motion after extensor tendon injury and repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• The relative motion splint was designed for extensor tendon injury repair.
• Its application expanded to sagittal band injuries and rheumatoid arthritis extensor tendon ruptures.
• The splint offers a less cumbersome alternative for patient mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the versatility of the relative motion splint.
• To discuss its application in various hand and forearm injuries.
• To emphasize its role in immediate controlled active motion splinting protocols.

Main Methods:

• Review of the splint's initial development and subsequent applications.
• Description of the immediate controlled active motion splinting protocol.
• Inclusion of its use in operative and nonsurgical rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• The relative motion splint facilitates postoperative rehabilitation for extensor tendon injuries.
• It is effective for sagittal band injuries and rheumatoid arthritis.
• The splint allows for controlled active motion during daily activities.

Conclusions:

• The relative motion splint is a versatile tool for hand and forearm rehabilitation.
• It supports immediate controlled active motion protocols for various conditions.
• Its design enhances patient compliance by allowing normal activities.