A SPLINT TO PREVENT CONTRACTURE IN SURGERY OF THE HAND

Abstract

The splints commonly used to prevent digital contracture, namely, molded plaster-of-paris splints and banjo finger extension splints, have proved unsatisfactory when combined with wet dressings or the hand bath. The molded plaster splints crumble, and the adhesive tape finger extensions of the banjo splints become loosened and useless as the result of the moisture. Metal splints which can be combined with wet dressings have the disadvantage of obscuring x-rays. So much hand surgery is done in the presence of existing or potential infection that a splint, that will prevent contracture of the fingers as well as permit the coincident use of wet dressings and x-rays is desirable. The splint shown in the accompanying illustration was devised for a powder wound of the right palm. A boy, aged 13, had discharged a blank cartridge into the palm of his right hand. At operation the powder was found disseminated throughout the palmar