Static Progressive versus Three-point Elbow Extension Splinting: A Mathematical Analysis

Authors

Shrikant J. Chinchalkar, St. Joseph's Health Care London
Joshua Pearce, Queen’s UniversityFollow
George S. Athwal, St. Joseph's Health Care London

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Volume

22

Issue

1

Journal

Journal of Hand Therapy

First Page

37

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1197/j.jht.2008.06.008

Last Page

43

Abstract

Elbow joint contractures are often treated by using static progressive, dynamic, turnbuckle, or serial static splinting. These splint designs are effective in regaining functional elbow range of motion due to the high forces applied to the contracted tissues; however, regaining terminal elbow extension remains a challenge. Static progressive splints are commonly used to initiate treatment, however, are considered less effective in regaining terminal extension. Recently, the concept of converting a static progressive splint into a three-point static progressive splint (TPSPS) to regain terminal extension has been introduced. This paper mathematically analyzes the compressive and rotational forces in static progressive and TPSPSs. Our hypothesis was that three-point static progressive splinting was superior to the standard static progressive elbow extension splint in applying rotational forces to the elbow at terminal extension. © 2009 Hanley & Belfus.