Figure 1 Basic pattern: (A) distal edge proximal to

metacarpophalangeal joints; (8) palmar support;

(C) protective cap f or wire prongs; (D) sequencefor
drill rod wire prongs.

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DRILI ROO

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Figure

Dorsal view

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A Low-Profile Dorsal Dynamic Splint

James Sellers

lease

his dorsal dynamic splint was

designed to provide grasp reand joint mobilizatron during

recovery from radial nerve injuries.

The low profile of the outrigger is
the primary feature of this design.
The force provided by the half-inch
(1.25 cm) wide elastic acts on the
metacarpophalangeal ( MCP) joints
to provide an extension assist when

flexion is actively present. The elastic should support the MCP joints
at 20 degrees of flexion, but allow
full, active rangJe of motion in flexion. Thus the patient will be able to

pick up and release objects during

the performance of functional tasks.
Made of Orthoplast@ (Johnson &

Johnson), Velcro@, and half-inch

(1.25 cm) drill rod wire, the basic
pattern is similar to that for

dorsal

wrist cock-up splint'(Figure l).

James Sellers, OTR, i.s Director ol
O ccupational T herapy, Braintree
Hospital, Braintree, Massachusetts.

Care should be taken to dome over

the ulnar styloid to avoid skin break-

down in that area.

The drill rod wire is cut, bent,

Figure

Figure 3 Lateral view

and attached over the dorsal distal

end

of the splint with a piece of

Orthoplast@ (Figure 2). The elastic

is adjusted to allow the MCP joints
to rest in 20 degrees of flexion,
avoiding hyperextension ( Figure 3 ).

After measuring and sewing

prongs are then capped with a Piece

Orthoplast@ to prevent injury

from the sharp wire ends. The wrist
is supported in a functional position. Velcro closures are attached
with Weldwood@ Contact Cement
(Figure 4).

of

Volar view

The American Journal of Occupational

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the

elastic slings, slide them over the

distal ends of the wire prongs. The

Therapy

213