A local adhesive finger splint.

Abstract

A new design of a local static finger splint is proposed. The splint is made by enveloping a length of wire into double-sided adhesive tape. The skin of the region to be immobilized is covered with an adhesive skin dressing, to which the splint is then adhered. This method of attachment gives more freedom in choosing a site of splint application and prevents access obstruction to the wound, blocking of tactile areas, and circulation impairment. The splint is light, low profile, and malleable at ambient temperature. The adhesive splint was used in 5 patients to maintain the first web space open or to immobilize stiff interphalangeal joints in flexion overnight.