Hand Splints: Types, Uses, and Benefits for Recovery
Hand Splints: Support, Protection, and Recovery
A hand splint is a medical device used to support, protect, or immobilize the hand and wrist. It is commonly prescribed for injuries, neurological conditions, post-surgical recovery, or chronic conditions like arthritis. Splints help in pain management, healing, and preventing further damage by restricting movement or maintaining proper alignment.
Types of Hand Splints
- Static Splints – These splints hold the hand in a fixed position, preventing movement to aid healing. They are often used for fractures, tendon injuries, and post-surgical immobilization.
- Dynamic Splints – Designed to allow controlled movement, these splints assist in restoring function and flexibility, commonly used in nerve injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Resting Splints – Used primarily for conditions like arthritis, these splints keep the hand in a functional resting position to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Functional Splints – These allow limited movement and support hand function for activities like writing or grasping objects.
Uses of Hand Splints
- Injury Recovery – Fractures, sprains, and tendon injuries require immobilization to heal properly.
- Neurological Conditions – Stroke, cerebral palsy, and nerve damage may cause muscle tightness, requiring splints to prevent deformities.
- Arthritis Management – Splints help reduce pain and stiffness in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients.
- Post-Surgical Support – After hand surgeries, splints maintain proper alignment for healing.
Materials and Fitting
Hand splints are made from plastic, metal, or thermoplastics and often have foam or padding for comfort. They can be custom-molded or prefabricated. Proper fitting by a healthcare professional ensures effectiveness and prevents complications like pressure sores.
In summary, hand splints play a crucial role in rehabilitation, pain relief, and functional support, promoting better recovery and hand function.
Driven Prehension Orthosis (DPO)
A Driven Prehension Orthosis (DPO) is a specialized hand splint designed to assist individuals with impaired grasping ability due to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. It is a functional orthosis that helps restore prehension (gripping ability) by mechanically supporting finger and thumb movement.
Purpose and Functionality
The DPO is primarily used for patients with conditions such as:
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accidents – CVA)
- Brachial Plexus Injuries
- Neuromuscular Disorders
This orthosis enables individuals with weak or paralyzed hand muscles to perform grasping tasks. It typically incorporates a mechanical or externally powered system (such as elastic bands, springs, or external actuators) that assists in closing and opening the fingers.
Types of Driven Prehension Orthoses
- Mechanical (Passive) DPO – Uses elastic bands or springs to facilitate a prehension grip. It is commonly used in cases where partial voluntary movement is present.
- Externally Powered (Active) DPO – Uses electrical stimulation, robotics, or pneumatic systems to assist in grasping for individuals with severe muscle weakness or paralysis.
Benefits of a Driven Prehension Orthosis
- Restores functional hand use for daily activities like grasping objects, writing, or eating.
- Improves independence and quality of life for individuals with hand impairments.
- Reduces joint stiffness and muscle atrophy by promoting movement.
- Helps in rehabilitation by encouraging neuromuscular re-education.
A DPO is often custom-made to fit the patient’s needs and may be integrated with rehabilitation programs for maximum effectiveness.