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支具、夹板与护具

When braces, splints and supports help upper-limb conditions, the main types, how to use them, and what the evidence shows for sprains, tendon problems, arthritis and after surgery.

Updated Oct 2026
佩戴在前臂和手上的织物腕部支撑夹板。
贴合良好的夹板可让腕部或手部得到休息和保护,减轻受刺激的肌腱和关节所受的负担。 Kieran Hirpara 4.0

本页面由机器翻译,尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

什么是支具、夹板与护具

支具、夹板或护具是一种器具,用来让身体的某个部位保持不动,或引导其活动方式。夹板通常是坚硬的,把关节固定在一个位置。支具和护具往往在保护该部位的同时允许一定的活动。它们用于手、手腕、肘部和肩部的问题,有时也用于膝关节损伤,例如前交叉韧带(ACL)撕裂,在这种情况下,支具治疗方案是代替手术的一种选择 [1]。

夹板的作用原理是让关节和软组织保持在稳定的位置。石膏夹板能温和而精确地做到这一点,有助于随着时间推移重塑僵硬的组织 [2]。在损伤的早期阶段,支具可以支撑发炎的组织,而不会完全阻止活动,这有助于愈合 [3]。有些夹板是动态型的,也就是利用弹簧或橡皮筋,把关节朝您正在练习的动作方向牵拉。另一些是静态型的,只是把关节固定不动。每种设计都有各自的优点和缺点 [4]。

在受伤后、手术后,或因僵硬和神经问题,您可能会被建议使用夹板。对于某些病症,例如手部和上肢问题,夹板固定被公认为康复中的标准做法 [5]。夹板可能在白天佩戴、在夜间佩戴,或日夜都佩戴。有些设计很简单,几乎不需要维护 [6]。许多夹板可以用低成本的材料制作 [7]。

夹板并不总是答案。在一项针对手部骨折的研究中,坚持使用支具的人比坚持使用石膏的人少,而且支具组中出现并发症的人更多 [8]。医生会权衡夹板、石膏还是手术最适合您的损伤。

它有效吗?

坦白地说,这取决于夹板的用途。对于某些病症,有可靠的证据。对于另一些病症,目前好的研究还很少,医生会依靠经验和标准做法。

有些发现是明确的。拇指基底关节炎的患者,如果在早期使用夹板后感觉好转,六个月后其症状改善了54%至61% [9]。对于手部骨折,一种允许一定活动的功能性支具,比标准夹板更能让骨头保持对线 [10]。手指背侧肌腱撕裂的患者,使用一种动态夹板的效果,好于采用其他方法治疗的患者 [11]。手背肌腱损伤的患者,使用可活动的夹板比使用固定不动的夹板,恢复全部活动的时间早了八周 [12]。

另一些发现则好坏参半。用于扳机指的夹板可能有效,适合不想接受可的松注射的人 [13]。但一项关于配合夹板进行手指锻炼的研究,未能证明其优于其他非手术治疗 [14]。对于杜普伊特伦挛缩(掌腱膜挛缩症),不同诊所的夹板和佩戴方案差异很大,因此很难知道哪种效果最好 [15]。目前也不清楚,在杜普伊特伦挛缩手术后连续数月佩戴夹板,是否能让手指长期保持更直 [16, 17]。

证据中确实存在空白。对于某些肌腱修复,没有好的试验比较不同的夹板固定方法,因此最佳做法尚未确定 [18]。有些夹板也可能失败。在一项研究中,少数手指关节严重骨折的患者需要接受手术,因为他们的夹板没有把关节固定在应有的位置 [19]。

医生会向您讲解,针对您的具体病症,证据说明了什么,又没有说明什么。

风险有哪些?

支具和夹板的大多数问题都是局部的,也就是影响器具下方的皮肤和组织。摩擦或压得太紧的夹板可能引起酸痛,而有些设计本身就比其他设计更舒适。研究发现,一种新型手指夹板比石膏舒适得多,不过佩戴者仍然觉得它令人烦扰 [20]。如果夹板不舒服,请告诉您的治疗师或医生,因为对贴合度稍作调整往往就会有帮助。

夹板也可能无法发挥作用。在一项研究中,三名手指关节严重骨折的患者后来需要接受手术,因为他们的夹板没有把骨折的骨头固定在应有的位置,他们的结果也因此更差 [19]。这就是为什么您会被要求回来复查,以便医疗团队确认夹板仍然把各部位保持在应有的位置。

坚持执行计划也很重要。在一项针对手部骨折的研究中,使用支具的人只有41%完成了治疗,而使用石膏的人有81%完成了治疗;在支具组中退出的人里,有60%是因为并发症 [8]。儿童可能会把夹板拉下来,有一家诊所发现,一种改良的拇指夹板设计有助于防止这种情况 [21]。

坦白地说,目前的认识也存在空白。对于某些肌腱修复,没有好的试验比较不同的夹板固定方法,因此每种做法的风险尚未完全确定 [18]。对于杜普伊特伦挛缩,目前不清楚术后连续数月使用夹板,是否能让手指保持更直,或者是否会造成任何屈曲(弯曲)能力的丧失 [16, 17]。医生会向您解释,这些风险中哪些适用于您的损伤,以及需要留意哪些警示征象。

这适合您吗?

如果您的问题是靠稳定的支撑而不是手术就能好转的那一类,夹板或支具可能适合您。这包括某些手部和手腕损伤、手指关节僵硬、拇指基底关节炎以及某些神经问题。对于许多手部和上肢病症,夹板固定被公认为标准做法 [5]。有些人也会选择夹板来推迟或避免手术。对于拇指关节炎,一种固定拇指、同时让邻近关节可以自由活动的小型夹板,是决定不做手术的人的一种选择 [22]。

夹板并不适合每一种损伤或每一个人。有些设计会把关节固定在不适合您损伤的位置。例如,当邻近的关节需要保持完全伸直时,就不应使用可活动的手指夹板 [23]。有些夹板也无法把骨折的骨头固定在应有的位置,在一项研究中,少数人因此后来需要接受手术 [19]。医生会根据您的损伤、您的工作,以及您坚持佩戴计划的可能性,权衡夹板与石膏或手术。

舒适度和贴合度比您想象的更重要。您觉得容易佩戴的夹板,才是您真正会坚持佩戴的夹板;而能让您使用手的设计,会让人更好地坚持到底 [24]。如果夹板感觉不对,请说出来。稍作调整往往就能解决问题。

这应当是您与医生共同做出的决定。上面的风险部分说明了可能出现的问题,医生会向您解释其中哪些适用于您。

核心要点

对于许多手部、手腕和肘部问题,支具或夹板都值得考虑,尤其是在您希望避免或推迟手术的情况下。有些设计简单、舒适,并能让您继续使用邻近的关节 [22, 25]。对于某些病症,证据比其他病症更有力,因此请询问关于您的病症目前了解多少。最重要的一点是贴合度和坚持佩戴:感觉合适的夹板,才是您真正会佩戴的夹板,而按照医嘱佩戴才能取得效果。

参考文献

[1] Short-term Outcomes of the Cross Brace Protocol for ACL Rupture Management: A Prospective Cohort Study. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00013

[2] Plaster of Paris: The forgotten hand splinting material. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2002. DOI: 10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.015014

[3] REHABILITATION CONCEPTS AND SUPPORTIVE DEVICES FOR OVERUSE INJURIES OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2001. DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70273-8

[4] Force analysis of the belly gutter and capener splints. Journal of Hand Therapy. 1999. DOI: 10.1016/s0894-1130(99)80074-x

[5] The influence of splinting on healing tissues. Journal of Hand Therapy. 1998. DOI: 10.1016/s0894-1130(98)80014-8

[6] A modification of the kleinert splint for mobilisation of digital flexor tendons. The Journal of Hand Surgery: Journal of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. 1987. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(87)90007-6

[7] Examples of simply fabricated, custom-made splints for the hand. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1981. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(81)80008-1

[8] Functional Fracture Bracing in Metacarpal Fractures: The Galveston Metacarpal Brace versus a Plaster-of-Paris Bandage in a Prospective Study. Journal of Hand Therapy. 1993. DOI: 10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80327-9

[9] Splinting in the treatment of arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1999. DOI: 10.1053/jhsu.1999.jhsu24a0086

[10] Functional bracing of fractures of the second through fifth metacarpals. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1987. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(87)80179-x

[11] The pipflex splint for treatment of mallet finger. The Journal of Hand Surgery: Journal of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. 1988. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(88)90126-x

[12] Results of acute zone III extensor tendon injuries treated with dynamic extension splinting. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1991. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(10)80082-6

[13] Trigger fingers and thumb: When to splint, inject, or operate. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1992. DOI: 10.1016/0363-5023(92)90124-8

[14] Effectiveness of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Orthosis and Therapeutic Exercise in the Management of Trigger Finger: A Prospective Case Series. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038

[15] A Review of Attitudes to Splintage in Dupuytren's Contracture. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1992. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(92)90208-j

[16] A review of attitudes to splintage in Dupuytren's contracture. The Journal of Hand Surgery: Journal of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand. 1987. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(87)90182-3

[17] A Review of Attitudes to Splintage in Dupuytren’s Contracture. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1987. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681_87_90182-3

[18] Splints, with or without wrist immobilization, following surgical repair of flexor tendon lesions of the hand: A systematic review. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2019.05.004

[19] Dorsal Fracture Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joints Treated by Extension Block Splintage. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1992. DOI: 10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80249-9

[20] A new method of extension-block splinting for the proximal interphalangeal joint—Preliminary report. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1980. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(80)80118-3

[21] Modification to a pediatric thumb splint. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2004. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2004.04.014

[22] The biomechanics of a thumb carpometacarpal immobilization splint: Design and fitting. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2000. DOI: 10.1016/s0894-1130(00)80006-x

[23] Dynamic flexion splint for the distal interphalangeal joint. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/s0894-1130(03)00041-3

[24] Low Profile Extension Splint for Active Extensor Lag of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2007. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2007.04.008

[25] Design of an orthosis with straight spring for extension mobilization of flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2020.01.005


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Splint design plays a more significant role in dynamic extensor splinting than previously expected [1].
  • The Swing Design Dynamic Traction Splint offers similar benefits to previously reported splints and is simple and compact in design [2].
  • Topics selected for a special issue on splinting are intended to advance the artistry of splinting toward an evidence-based practice approach [3].
  • The application of splints for treating hand and upper extremity problems is accepted as definitive standard practice in this rehabilitation arena [4].
  • The clamshell splint with otoform lining has proven equally effective for other conditions requiring immobilization [5].
  • In a single-subject experiment on radial nerve palsy, only splint 3 met the criteria of improving function and being worn by the patient [6].
  • To the authors' knowledge, the optimal orthosis for the complete median and radial nerve-injured war casualty has not been previously described [7].
  • The conclusion that sling immobilization is 'not inferior' to brace immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization [8].
  • A modification of the Kleinert splint for mobilisation of digital flexor tendons is easy to make and requires virtually no maintenance due to its simplicity [9].
  • Many splints can be constructed with material that is inexpensive, available, and often discarded [10].
  • The modified Kleinert splint appears to be producing improved results and to be gaining more widespread acceptance [11].
  • The patient for whom the adjustable first webspace splint was initially developed has recovered a very satisfying webspace thanks to the splint [12].
  • The types of splint and programmes for using them in Dupuytren's contracture varied widely [19].
  • Force analysis of the belly gutter and capener splints clearly indicates theoretical advantages and disadvantages of the dynamic and static splint designs [22].
  • In a prospective study of metacarpal fractures, only 41% of patients from the metacarpal-brace group completed the treatment, compared to 81% in the plaster-cast group [24].
  • In a prospective study of metacarpal fractures, 60% of exclusions in the brace group were due to complications [24].
  • Dynamic flexion splinting for the distal interphalangeal joint is contraindicated in situations that require the PIP to be held in full extension [33].
  • The concept of a straight spring for an orthosis for extension mobilization of flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint was effective for tissue deformation, easy to make and finish, cost-effective, low profile, and easy to handle by the patient [34].
  • The only drawback to Plaster of Paris splints was that if changes were needed, a whole new splint had to be fabricated [39].
  • To date, selection of the proper splint for managing joint stiffness has been empirical [41].
  • A volar splint has clear limitations regarding immobilization, which is of relevance in clinical practice [63].
  • An ulnar boost splint for midcarpal instability follows recommendations to support the pisotriquetral area [64].

How It Works

  • The application of splints for treating hand and upper extremity problems is accepted as definitive standard practice in rehabilitation [4].
  • The optimal orthosis for the complete median and radial nerve-injured war casualty has not been previously described to the authors' knowledge [7].
  • The modified Kleinert splint for mobilisation of digital flexor tendons is easy to make and requires virtually no maintenance due to its simplicity [9].
  • Many hand splints can be constructed with material that is inexpensive, available, and often discarded [10].
  • The modified Kleinert splint appears to be producing improved results and is gaining more widespread acceptance [11].
  • The adjustable first webspace splint allowed the patient for whom it was initially developed to recover a very satisfying webspace [12].
  • Therapeutic hand splint texts focus on mechanics, physics, and biological considerations rather than providing specific splint patterns or fabrication instructions [13].
  • A silicone splint has value as both a protective splint following injury and prophylactically for diving injuries of the thumb [14].
  • Limited results from an underpowered study suggest splinting may not be required postoperatively for isolated digital nerve injuries in the hand [15].
  • Studies involving smaller numbers of subjects can contribute greatly to substantiating the effectiveness of splinting if performed with the highest level of study design and use standardized outcome measures [16].
  • James traction splinting interventions for PIP fractures have been highlighted in two case studies at military treatment facilities [17].
  • Three patients with dorsal fracture subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joints initially managed with splintage proceeded to surgery because the splint failed to hold the joint in reduction, and these patients had a less favourable outcome [18].
  • A static gutter splint may be worn at night to maintain gains achieved in the day for distal interphalangeal joint flexion contractures [20].
  • Braces during the early phase of overuse injuries of the upper extremities provide support to inflamed tissues without complete immobilization, facilitating healing [21].
  • Force analysis clearly indicates theoretical advantages and disadvantages of dynamic and static splint designs for belly gutter and capener splints [22].
  • Low-profile dynamic splints assist therapists in the prescription of splints for certain patients and enable them to monitor progress closely [23].
  • Only 41% of patients from the metacarpal-brace group completed treatment compared to 81% in the plaster-cast group, with 60% of exclusions in the brace group due to complications [24].
  • A newly developed buddy splint corrects the mechanical and kinesiologic disadvantages of current buddy strapping systems [25].
  • The sustained positioning of joints and soft tissue with plaster of Paris provides a gentler and more precise means of tissue remodeling than dynamic or static progressive splinting [26].
  • The objective of providing reduction and stability to the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint and improving function was achieved with a three-point static splint for chronic volar subluxation [27].
  • The objective of providing reduction and stability to the MP joint and improving function was achieved with the Ambulatory Arm Elevator Sling (Hands Up) [28].
  • It is necessary to determine whether patients treated with static splintage for several months after operation for Dupuytren's contracture achieve better extension at 12 to 18 months and if there is any loss of flexion in this group [30, 31].
  • The modified Kleinert controlled mobilization splint has theoretical advantages over the usual Kleinert splint and may be of clinical use [42].
  • Creation of splint designs should be based on mechanical fact rather than on mode-of-the-day bias [43].
  • A better position for splintage of mallet finger deformities is slight flexion, as hyperextension provided by a splint is likely to cause the subluxation to appear [44].
  • Surgery and the postoperative regimen of rigid night splints and web-retaining gloves for day wear has allowed arrest or minimal progression of contractures in compliant patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in short-term follow-up of an average of 17 months [46].
  • The Cross Brace Protocol provides an additional non-operative option for ACL injuries and may be associated with satisfactory anatomical and functional healing for certain patient groups [47].

What the Evidence Shows

General Principles and Materials

  • Splint design plays a more significant role than previously expected [1].
  • Woodcast splints are used in clinical practice with good results and high patient acceptability [38].
  • The sustained positioning of joints and soft tissue with plaster of Paris provides a gentler and more precise means of tissue remodeling than does dynamic or static progressive splinting [26].
  • Studies involving smaller numbers of subjects can contribute greatly to the evidence base so long as they are performed with the highest level of study design and use standardized outcome measures that are valid for answering the designated research questions [16].
  • The lack of high-quality evidence means that randomized clinical trials need to be performed to guide rehabilitation choices for splints with or without wrist immobilization following surgical repair of flexor tendon lesions [65].

Fractures and Dislocations

  • Functional bracing of fractures of the second through fifth metacarpals resulted in a final angulation averaging 15° in the brace group compared to 31° in the splint group [49].
  • The objective of providing reduction and stability to the MP joint and improving function was achieved with an ambulatory arm elevator sling [28].

Tendon Injuries

  • A new dynamic splint for postoperative treatment of flexor tendon injury produced results that were significantly better than after treatment in the traditional splint [52].
  • Patients with acute zone III extensor tendon injuries treated with dynamic extension splinting returned to full activities with good-to-excellent results 8 weeks earlier instead of at 16 to 18 weeks compared to static splinting [60].
  • A modification of the Kleinert splint for mobilisation of digital flexor tendons is easy to make and requires virtually no maintenance [9].

Nerve Injuries and Palsy

  • In a single-subject experiment on splinting for radial nerve palsy, only splint 3 met the criteria of improving function and being worn by the patient [6].
  • Although an underpowered study on postoperative splinting for isolated digital nerve injuries in the hand suggests splinting may not be required postoperatively, these limited results are based on a small sample [15].

Contractures and Stiffness

  • The functional arc of motion or very close to it was achieved using patient-adjusted static elbow splints after failure of conservative treatment for elbow contractures [62].
  • In Dupuytren's contracture, the types of splint and programmes for using them varied widely [19].
  • It is necessary to determine whether patients treated with static splintage for several months after Dupuytren's contracture operation achieve better extension at 12 to 18 months and if there is any loss of flexion in this group [30, 31].

Trigger Finger

  • Splinting offers an alternative for patients who have a strong objection to cortisone injection for trigger fingers and thumb [37].
  • A low-profile ring splint for trigger finger is easily fabricated and functional, and the treatment protocol requires minimal therapy visits [58].
  • A prospective case series on proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise for trigger finger demonstrates feasibility and short-term clinical improvement but cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments due to the absence of a control group [50].

Arthritis and Overuse

  • All patients with arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint who had initial improvement in their symptoms with splinting had between 54% and 61% average improvement in symptom severity 6 months after splinting [55].

Specific Splint Designs and Applications

  • The Swing Design Dynamic Traction Splint for intra-articular fractures of the digits offers similar benefits to splints reported previously in the literature and is simple and compact in design [2].
  • An adjustable first webspace splint was developed for a patient who recovered a very satisfying webspace thanks to the splint [12].
  • A supination splint worn distal to the elbow is clinically effective in increasing supination passive range of motion [53].
  • The results of treatment with the pipflex splint for mallet finger in 25 patients are superior to those resulting from other methods of splintage [61].
  • The significantly superior results of the double-T splint for maintaining the safe position in a palmar splint are worth the additional 50 g weight [59].
  • A modification to a pediatric thumb splint has aided in preventing children in the clinic from removing their splints [35].
  • A new power source in dynamic splinting with lower force-extension ratios has helped to improve range of motion within the splint, although further controlled trials are needed to confirm this [40].
  • Relative motion orthoses may improve outcomes in a variety of hand conditions, however, high-quality studies that contribute to the evidence base for its use are needed [29].

Practical Considerations

Design and Biomechanics

  • The text focuses on mechanics, physics, and biological considerations rather than providing specific splint patterns or fabrication instructions [13].
  • A straight spring concept for an orthosis was effective for tissue deformation, easy to make and finish, cost-effective, low profile, and easy to handle by the patient [34].
  • Lower force-extension ratios in dynamic splinting have helped to improve range of motion within the splint, although further controlled trials are needed to confirm this [40].
  • Low-profile dynamic splints assist therapists in the prescription of splints for certain patients and enable them to monitor their progress closely [23].

Materials and Fabrication

  • The Reston foam splint is a very comfortable, safe, versatile, and simple splint that is much cheaper and more readily available than conventional manufactured splints [56].
  • Further studies are suggested for comparing time and cost effectiveness between commercially available splinting materials [32].
  • A modified Kleinert splint is easy to make and, because of its simplicity, requires virtually no maintenance [9].
  • A static progressive wrist extension splint is easy to fabricate, cost-effective, and relatively comfortable [48].

Clinical Application and Outcomes

  • Only splint 3 met the criteria of improving function and being worn by the patient in a single-subject experiment for radial nerve palsy [6].
  • A modified Kleinert splint appears to be producing improved results and to be gaining more widespread acceptance [11].
  • The patient for whom an adjustable first webspace splint was initially developed has recovered a very satisfying webspace thanks to the splint [12].
  • Studies involving smaller numbers of subjects can contribute greatly to substantiating the effectiveness of splinting, so long as they are performed with the highest level of study design and use standardized outcome measures that are valid for answering the designated research questions [16].
  • Three patients initially managed with extension block splintage for dorsal fracture subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joints proceeded to surgery because the splint failed to hold the joint in reduction, and these patients had a less favourable outcome [18].
  • A static gutter splint may be worn at night to maintain gains achieved in the day for distal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture [20].
  • A dynamic flexion splint for the distal interphalangeal joint is contraindicated in situations that require the proximal interphalangeal joint to be held in full extension [33].
  • A splint modification has aided in preventing children in a clinic from removing their pediatric thumb splints [35].
  • If patients with minimally displaced distal radial fractures can be treated safely using a removable splint, this will save them time and inconvenience in terms of additional visits to the hospital, and save the healthcare system money [45].
  • An alternative flexion splinting protocol requires only the flexion splint as opposed to the traditional extension splint followed by flexion splinting; therefore, the cost of splint fabrication is reduced and the instructions to patients for following their splinting programs are simplified [51].
  • A thumb carpometacrotacarpal immobilization splint allows unrestricted use of adjacent joints and is a cost-effective, efficient treatment option for those patients who elect to postpone or exclude surgical reconstruction for thumb CMC joint pain [54].
  • Although the authors found an extension-block splint for the proximal interphalangeal joint annoying, it was much more comfortable than an extension-block cast [57].

Key Evidence

  • [Paper] This shows that splint design plays a more significant role than previously expected. [1] (10.1016/0363-5023(92)90404-d)
  • [L4] It offers similar benefits to splints reported previously in the literature, and is simple and compact in design. [2] (10.1197/j.jht.2005.11.001)
  • [L5] The topics selected for inclusion in this special issue are intended to advance the artistry of splinting toward an evidence-based practice approach. [3] (10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.015009)
  • [L5] Currently, the application of splints for treating hand and upper extremity problems is accepted as definitive standard practice in this rehabilitation arena. [4] (10.1016/s0894-1130(98)80014-8)
  • [L5] The splint has proven equally effective for other conditions requiring immobilization. [5] (10.1016/s0894-1130(97)80046-4)
  • [L5] Only splint 3 met the criteria of improving function and being worn by the patient. [6] (10.1016/s0894-1130(01)80053-3)
  • [L5] To the authors' knowledge the optimal orthosis for this situation has not been previously described. [7] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80275-4)
  • [L5] They argue that the conclusion that sling immobilization is 'not inferior' to brace immobilization cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization. [8] (10.1002/arj.70326)
  • [L4] The splint is easy to make and, because of its simplicity, requires virtually no maintenance. [9] (10.1016/0266-7681(87)90007-6)
  • [L5] The examples given show that many splints can be constructed with material that is inexpensive, available, and often discarded. [10] (10.1016/s0363-5023(81)80008-1)
  • [L5] The modified splint appears to be producing improved results and to be gaining more widespread acceptance. [11] (10.1016/s0363-5023(88)80070-4)
  • [L5] The patient for whom the splint was initially developed has recovered a very satisfying webspace thanks to the splint. [12] (10.1016/s0894-1130(96)80091-3)
  • [Paper] The text focuses on mechanics, physics, and biological considerations rather than providing specific splint patterns or fabrication instructions. [13] (10.1016/s0894-1130(02)70027-6)
  • [L5] Our clinical opinion is that it has value as both a protective splint following injury and as well as prophylacticly. [14] (10.1197/j.jht.2006.07.029)
  • [L1] Although this study is underpowered, these limited results suggest splinting may not be required postoperatively. [15] (10.1197/j.jht.2007.04.010)
  • [Paper] While studies that include large numbers of subjects are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of splinting, studies involving smaller numbers of subjects can contribute greatly as well, so long as they are performed with the highest level of study design and use standardized outcome measures that are valid for answering the designated research questions. [16] (10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.0150131)
  • [L4] The authors present two case studies highlighting James traction splinting interventions and corresponding outcomes at military treatment facilities. [17] (10.1197/j.jht.2007.08.019)
  • [L3] Three patients initially managed with splintage proceeded to surgery because the splint failed to hold the joint in reduction, and these patients had a less favourable outcome. [18] (10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80249-9)
  • [L5] The types of splint and programmes for using them varied widely. [19] (10.1016/0266-7681(92)90208-j)
  • [L5] A static gutter splint may be worn at night to maintain gains achieved in the day. [20] (10.1016/s0894-1130(01)80009-0)
  • [L5] Braces during the early phase provide support to inflamed tissues without complete immobilization, facilitating healing. [21] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70273-8)
  • [L3] It clearly indicates theoretical advantages and disadvantages of the dynamic and static splint designs. [22] (10.1016/s0894-1130(99)80074-x)
  • [Paper] This will assist therapists in the prescription of splints for certain patients and enable them to monitor their progress closely. [23] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80332-2)
  • [L1] Only 41% of the patients from the metacarpal-brace group completed the treatment, compared to 81% in the plaster-cast group, with 60% of exclusions in the brace group due to complications. [24] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80327-9)
  • [Paper] This newly developed buddy splint corrects the mechanical and kinesiologic disadvantages of current buddy strapping systems. [25] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80041-x)
  • [L5] The sustained positioning of joints and soft tissue with plaster of Paris provides a gentler and more precise means of tissue remodeling than does dynamic or static progressive splinting. [26] (10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.015014)
  • [L5] The objective of providing reduction and stability to the MP joint and improving function was achieved with this splint. [27] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80062-7)
  • [Paper] The objective of providing reduction and stability to the MP joint and improving function was achieved with this splint. [28] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80064-0)
  • [Paper] RM orthoses may improve outcomes in a variety of hand conditions; however, high-quality studies that contribute to the evidence base for its use are needed. [29] (10.1016/j.jht.2016.07.001)
  • [L5] In particular, we need to know whether patients treated with static splintage for several months after operation achieve better extension at 12 to 18 months and, if so, is there any loss of flexion in this group? [30] (10.1016/0266-7681(87)90182-3)
  • [L5] In particular, we need to know whether patients treated with static splintage for several months after operation achieve better extension at 12 to 18 months and, if so, is there any loss of flexion in this group? [31] (10.1016/0266-7681_87_90182-3)
  • [L4] Further studies are suggested for comparing time and cost effectiveness between commercially available splinting materials. [32] (10.1016/s0894-1130(98)80060-4)
  • [L5] This splinting tack is contraindicated in situations that require the PIP to be held in full extension. [33] (10.1016/s0894-1130(03)00041-3)
  • [Paper] The concept of a straight spring for this orthosis was effective for tissue deformation, easy to make and finish, cost-effective, low profile, and easy to handle by the patient. [34] (10.1016/j.jht.2020.01.005)
  • [L5] This splint modification has aided in preventing children in our clinic from removing their splints. [35] (10.1197/j.jht.2004.04.014)
  • [L4] Splinting offers an alternative for patients who have a strong objection to cortisone injection. [37] (10.1016/0363-5023(92)90124-8)
  • [L5] Woodcast splints are used in clinical practice with good results and high patient acceptability. [38] (10.1097/bth.0000000000000210)
  • [Paper] The only drawback to these splints was that if changes were needed, a whole new splint had to be fabricated. [39] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80157-8)
  • [L4] It is their initial impression that the lower force-extension ratios have helped to improve range of motion within the splint, although further controlled trials are needed to confirm this. [40] (10.1016/s0894-1130(89)80022-5)
  • [L5] To date, selection of the proper splint for managing joint stiffness has been empirical. [41] (10.1053/hanthe.2002.v15.015015)
  • [L5] The modified splint has theoretical advantages over the usual Kleinert splint and it may be of clinical use—further trials are in progress. [42] (10.1016/s0266-7681(84)80039-x)
  • [Paper] Creation of splint designs should be based on mechanical fact rather than on mode-of-the-day bias. [43] (10.1016/s0894-1130(12)80309-7)
  • [L5] The author suggests that a better position for splintage is slight flexion, as hyperextension provided by a splint is likely to cause the subluxation to appear. [44] (10.1016/s0363-5023(85)80277-x)
  • [L2] If patients can be treated safely using a removable splint, this will save them time and inconvenience in terms of additional visits to the hospital, and save the healthcare system money. [45] (10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0634.r1)
  • [L4] Surgery and the postoperative regimen of rigid night splints and web-retaining gloves for day wear has allowed arrest or minimal progression of contractures in compliant patients in short-term follow-up study of an average of 17 months. [46] (10.1016/s0363-5023(96)80210-3)
  • [L2] The Cross Brace Protocol provides an additional non-operative option for ACL injuries and may be associated with satisfactory anatomical and functional healing for certain patient groups. [47] (10.1177/2325967126s00013)
  • [L5] Based on clinical experience, the authors have found this splint is easy to fabricate, cost-effective, and relatively comfortable. [48] (10.1016/s0894-1130(02)80009-6)
  • [L2] Final angulation averaged 15° in the brace group compared to 31° in the splint group. [49] (10.1016/s0363-5023(87)80179-x)
  • [L4] Because of the absence of a control group, these findings demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement but cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments. [50] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038)
  • [L4] This protocol requires only the flexion splint as opposed to the traditional extension splint followed by flexion splinting; therefore, the cost of splint fabrication is reduced and the instructions to patients for following their splinting programs are simplified. [51] (10.1016/s0894-1130(96)80022-6)
  • [L4] Results were significantly better than after treatment in the traditional splint. [52] (10.1016/s0363-5023(89)80025-5)
  • [L4] Results indicate the supination splint is clinically effective in increasing supination PROM. [53] (10.1016/s0894-1130(03)00034-6)
  • [L5] This small splint allows unrestricted use of adjacent joints and is a cost-effective, efficient treatment option for those patients who elect to postpone or exclude surgical reconstruction for thumb CMC joint pain. [54] (10.1016/s0894-1130(00)80006-x)
  • [L4] All patients who had initial improvement in their symptoms with splinting had between 54% and 61% average improvement in symptom severity 6 months after splinting. [55] (10.1053/jhsu.1999.jhsu24a0086)
  • [L5] The Reston foam splint is a very comfortable, safe, versatile, and simple splint that is much cheaper and more readily available than conventional manufactured splints. [56] (10.1016/s0363-5023(89)80029-2)
  • [L4] Although the authors found the splint annoying, it was much more comfortable than an extension-block cast. [57] (10.1016/s0363-5023(80)80118-3)
  • [L4] This low-profile ring splint is easily fabricated and functional and the treatment protocol requires minimal therapy visits. [58] (10.1197/j.jht.2008.05.001)
  • [L2] The significantly superior results of the double-T splint are worth this additional 50 g. [59] (10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80214-1)
  • [L2] When results were compared with the results of our method of static splinting used prior to this prospective study, patients returned to full activities with good-to-excellent results 8 weeks earlier instead of at 16 to 18 weeks. [60] (10.1016/s0363-5023(10)80082-6)
  • [L4] The results of treatment in 25 patients are superior in our hands to those resulting from other methods of splintage. [61] (10.1016/0266-7681(88)90126-x)
  • [L4] The functional arc of motion or very close to it was achieved using patient-adjusted static splints after failure of conservative treatment. [62] (10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80215-0)
  • [L4] A volar splint has clear limitations regarding immobilization, which is of relevance in clinical practice. [63] (10.1177/1753193416686039)
  • [L5] The splint follows recommendations to support the pisotriquetral area. [64] (10.1197/j.jht.2004.04.013)
  • [L5] The lack of high-quality evidence means that randomized clinical trials need to be performed to guide rehabilitation choices. [65] (10.1016/j.hansur.2019.05.004)

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Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


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