Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS)

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Finger stiffness significantly impairs hand function and daily activities due to injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions.
• Effective rehabilitation and hand therapy are essential for restoring range of motion, strength, and functionality.
• Existing splints may not adequately support active patient participation in recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS), a novel dynamic splint for active finger movement.
• To evaluate the SFSS's utility in post-trauma and postoperative finger rehabilitation.
• To highlight the SFSS's role in improving patient compliance and expediting recovery.

Main Methods:

• Development of a dynamic splint (SFSS) enabling self-administered active finger stretching exercises.
• Application of the SFSS in diverse rehabilitation scenarios, including post-trauma and post-surgery.
• Focus on rehabilitation for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) stiffness.

Main Results:

• The SFSS facilitates active patient engagement in rehabilitation, promoting self-directed exercises.
• The splint demonstrates versatility in addressing stiffness following extensor tendon tenolysis and fracture healing.
• SFSS is effective for isolated finger stiffness and beneficial for multiple-digit stiffness.

Conclusions:

• The Self-Assisted Finger Stiffness Splint (SFSS) offers a dynamic approach to finger rehabilitation.
• SFSS empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery, potentially improving outcomes.
• The device is a valuable tool for managing various types of finger stiffness, enhancing functional restoration.