The splint is supported by either Velcro (for a static splint) or Thera-Band (for a dynamic splint) looped over one of the fixator pins or an extension plate built off a fixator ring (Figs. 2, 3 and 7).
Using a centrally administered computer randomization system consented patients will be allocated to one of two groups: i) splint group who will be given a static splint at approximately 10 to 14 days after surgery to be worn for 6 months at night time only as well as hand therapy; ii) non-splint group, who will receive hand therapy only.
Immediately after finger extension, the patients went to the hand therapist and received a static splint with maximally extended fingers; the therapist gave instructions on range of motion exercises, to use the hand as tolerated during daytime, and to use the splint at night for 8 weeks.
Pizzi A, Carlucci G, Falsini C, Verdesca S, Grippo A. Application of a volar static splint in poststroke spasticity of the upper limb.
Recently, the concept of converting a static progressive splint into a three-point static progressive splint (TPSPS) to regain terminal extension has been introduced.
This study is a pragmatic, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial comparing two interventions: post-operative hand therapy including a static night splint versus post-operative hand therapy without splint.
The use of a static night splint is standard practice in all 5 participating centres for the majority of patients, consequently the provision of the night splint in this trial does not constitute a new intervention.
One group will receive post-operative hand therapy only and the other group will receive hand therapy and a static night splint to be worn for 6 months.
A third plausible reason for the lack of effect could be that the amount of tension provided through a static night splint is not sufficient to remodel scar tissue.
Glassey [ 21] conducted a retrospective review comparing the outcomes of patients who had been prescribed a static night splint (n = 21) worn for three months with those who had not (n = 10).
