Can’t Straighten a Finger After Hand Surgery
Can’t straighten a finger after hand surgery? A simple push test tells tendon from joint. Common causes by operation, what helps, the splints that work, and why the first three months matter.
Conditions & Injuries
Conditions and injuries of the finger, hand, wrist, forearm and elbow: what they are, how they behave, and when they stop being minor.
Resting Hand Splint: The Safe Position Explained
Wrist back, knuckles bent, fingers straight, thumb out. Why the resting hand splint holds that position after crush injuries, burns, infection and arthritis flares, and how to wear it.
Sugar Tong and Muenster Splints: Blocking Rotation
Sugar tong and Muenster splints block forearm rotation, which a wrist splint can’t. How each is shaped, when they’re used for wrist fractures, TFCC repair and forearm joint injuries, and what to watch for.
Dynamic Splints: Outriggers, Springs and Flexion Straps
Outriggers, spring-wire splints and flexion straps apply gentle, sustained force to stiff joints or assist weak muscles. How dynamic splints work, what they’re used for, and how to use them without flaring the hand.
Hinged Elbow Brace: Dislocations, Ligaments, Biceps
A hinged elbow brace allows bending within set limits after dislocations, ligament injuries, biceps repair and elbow fractures. Why a hinge beats a fixed splint, how the limits open, and how to wear it well.
Posterior Elbow Resting Splint After Injury
A posterior elbow resting splint holds the elbow still for a short time after fractures, dislocations and elbow surgery. What it’s for, why it comes off early, and the warning signs to act on.
Buddy Strapping: When It Helps and When It Harms
Buddy strapping helps collateral ligament sprains, jammed fingers and some stable fractures, and harms mallet finger, boutonniere and rotated fractures. How to tape it properly and for how long.
Figure-of-Eight Ring Splints: Oval-8 and Silver Rings
Oval-8 and silver ring splints stop a finger joint bending backwards while letting it bend forwards. How they work for swan neck, hypermobility and arthritis, and how to get the fit right.
Finger Gutter and PIP Extension Splints
Finger gutter splints hold a fractured or operated finger straight. PIP extension splints hold the middle joint for boutonniere injuries and contractures. Which joints to include, and how long.
Dorsal Blocking Splint After Flexor Tendon Repair
After a flexor tendon repair, a dorsal blocking splint holds the knuckles bent and stops the hand straightening fully, so the repair can’t be stretched, while controlled exercises stop it scarring down. How it works, the timeline and the rules.