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It is reported that the thesis section is available, to publish abstracts of postgraduate theses in the disciplinary field. Who submits your thesis, must present the title, abstract, key words (include Occupational Therapy), and a summary of 2 to 3 pages of your thesis. And `present it in Spanish, English and / or Portuguese.
CORRECTIVE SPLINTS IN THE STIFFNESS OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT AS A RESULT OF TRAUMA
Abstract
Reduced passive range of motion (PROM) of the interphalangeal joints of the hand is a common consequence after a traumatic injury.Although mobilizing splinting has become a rehabilitative approach widely accepted by therapists to improve PROM, limited empirical
evidence is available to guide in its prescription. This study investigates the effect of corrective splinting on flexion contracture of the
finger proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) after a traumatic injury of the hand. Seventeen patients with finger flexion contracture of the
PIP as a result of an industrial accident participated in the experimental study. The passive range of motion of the PIP joint was measured
with a finger goniometer and patients were randomly allocated to one of two splint programs. Subjects in group A were given dynamic
extension splints, and subjects in group B were given static splints. PROM was re- assessed with a goniometer once the patient was
discharged and started working again. Results indicated significant improvement in both groups in the correction of the finger flexion
contracture (p<0,05). Patients with dynamic finger extension splints did not differ significantly from those with static splints in extension
gains. Both types of splints can be recommended for flexion contractures of 35 degrees or less in the PIP joint after a traumatic injury.
