A Comparative Study of Splint Effectiveness in Limiting Forearm Rotation
Presented by the first author (AS) at the following conferences: Queensland Hand Surgeons' Society Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, November 21–23, 2008, and Australian Hand Therapy Association Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, October 16–18, 2009.
published online 26 April 2010.
Abstract
Study Design
Case Study Series.
Introduction
Restriction of forearm rotation may be required for effective management and rehabilitation of the upper limb after trauma.
Purpose of the Study
To compare the effectiveness of four splints in restricting forearm rotation.
Methods
Muenster, Sugartong, antipronation distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and standard wrist splints were fabricated for five healthy participants. Active range of motion (AROM) in forearm pronation and supination was measured with a goniometer for each splint, at the initial point of sensory feedback and during exertion of maximal force.
Results
Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences between splints for all four AROM measures. Post hoc paired t-tests showed that the Sugartong splint was significantly more restrictive in pronation than the Muenster splint. The antipronation DRUJ splint provided significantly greater restriction in pronation than the standard wrist splint. No splints immobilized the forearm completely.
Conclusions
The Sugartong splint is recommended for maximal restriction in pronation, but individual patient characteristics require consideration in splint choice.
Level of Evidence
IV
Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia
Hand Therapy Clinics, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
Centre for Functioning, Disability and Health, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
Correspondence and reprint requests to Adrienne Slaughter, BOccThy, Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4101, Australia
ABSTRACT