A Technique for making hand splints from styroform and plywood

Abstract

A technique has been developed in Paraguay for making hand splints from styrofoam, plywood and paper. Sheet styrofoam is cut to fit the palmar surface of the forearm and glued to plywood to provide strength. Pieces of paper are glued over the styrofoam and then painted with oil paint. Velcro is used to make straps. The splints made thus far include a resting hand splint for a flaccid hand, a finger-spreader splint for a spastic hand, a resting hand splint for a patient with shortening of the wrist flexors, a thumb support splint for a weak but functional thumb, a thumb positioning splint for a non-functional adducted thumb and a resting hand splint for a person with rheumatoid arthritis to prevent ulnar deviation

The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are compared with those of other alternative splinting materials (PVC, metal, plaster of Paris bandage, leather, bamboo and polypropylene). The major advantages of this technique are low cost, high adaptability to the individual hand, use of techniques known by local artisans, low-cost tools and ease of repair or modification. The major disadvantages are non-availability of materials in some places, need to develop new relationships between therapists and local artisans and difficulty with thorough disinfecting. Future applications of the techniques for making dynamic hand splints and foot splints are discussed. This technique appears to have promise in low to middle income countries such as Paraguay.