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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: prognostic indicators of success.

OBJECTIVES: To identify (combinations of) prognostic indicators for the long term success of splinting in patients with electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: This study was conducted within the framework of a randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of splinting and surgery for CTS. Patients randomised to splinting received a wrist splint, which they had to wear during the night for at least six weeks. To assess the long term success, patients were asked to indicate whether there was any improvement 12 months after randomisation. Potential prognostic indicators included variables from the history taking and physical examination, self administered questionnaires on severity of symptoms, and electrodiagnostic studies. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify (combinations of) prognostic indicators. RESULTS: Of the 89 patients randomised to splinting, 83 attended the follow up measurement at 12 months, of whom 60 reported improvement. However, 34 patients had received one or more additional types of treatment during the follow up period and were therefore considered as treatment failures for splinting, resulting in a final success rate of 31% for splinting (26 of 83 patients). Only two prognostic indicators could be identified, namely a short duration of CTS complaints (one year or less) and a score of 6 or less for severity of paraesthesia at night at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: For patients to whom both factors applied, the predicted probability of treatment success, according to the model, was 62%. The overall percentage of patients who were correctly classified by the model was 78% (95% CI 69% to 87%).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

Effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with dorsiflexion night splints: a crossover prospective randomized outcome study.

Chronic plantar fasciitis frustrates patients and treating physicians. Our hypothesis was that use of a dorsiflexion night splint for 1 month would effectively treat patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. A 6-month randomized crossover study included 37 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Patients were treated with dorsiflexion night splints for 1 month. Group A wore splints for the 1st month and group B for the 2nd month. No splints were used in either group for the final 4 months of the study. No other medications, stretching, or strengthening exercises were prescribed. Eighty-eight percent of patients who completed the study improved. Eighty percent of the involved feet improved subjectively. Results of the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Rating System and the Mayo Clinical Scoring System demonstrated significant improvement for both groups during the period of splint wear. Improvements were maintained at study completion. Response to splinting did not correlate with foot type, degree of obesity, or the presence of heel spur on radiographs. We believe dorsiflexion splints provide relief from the symptoms of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in the majority of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Long-term use of mandibular advancement splints for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea: a questionnaire survey.

A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) may be an alternative treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, there is little subjective or objective information concerning long-term effectiveness, compliance and side effects. A retrospective questionnaire was used to survey these issues plus patient satisfaction and maintenance requirements in 166 patients who could have worn a mandibular advancement splint for over a year. One-hundred and twenty-six (76%) subjects returned the questionnaire, (84 with OSA, 42 snorers), of whom 69 (55%) reported still using the splint regularly, 47 (37%) every night. The most common reported reasons for stopping use were discomfort (29/ 57; 52%) of nonusers), and poor perceived efficacy (12 subjects). Users reported more daytime symptoms, and they and their partners were more likely to observe improvements with splint use. Side effects were reported by 49 subjects, more commonly in nonusers. Sixty-five of 67 current users and 23 of 41 nonusers reported less snoring with splint use (p = < 0.001). Long-term mandibular advancement splint usage appeared less satisfactory than previously reported, however, splints were considered effective by 97% of current users and even by over half of those who had stopped use. Reasons for stopping use included side effects, social circumstances, dental treatment, as well as lack of perceived efficacy.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The efficacy of splinting for lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review.

To determine the efficacy of using splinting as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis (LE), a systematic review of the literature was conducted on Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, PEDro, and Cochrane databases using pertinent key words and phrases. Hand searches of article references were also used to ensure that as many relevant articles as possible were identified. Searches were limited to articles published in English. Articles that did not involve splinting (or terminology derivative thereof) as treatment intervention for LE were excluded. From 98 potential articles, 58 were considered strong inclusion candidates. These articles were copied and further triaged according to predefined criteria, resulting in 22 articles that were numbered randomly and blinded. Three reviewers appraised these articles, eliminating 11 of the articles because they did not meet essential criteria of randomization, control group, and/or inferential statistical analysis. Using MacDermid quality scores, the 11 remaining articles were rated by three reviewers. Consensus between the three reviewers was achieved for all quality scores for all 11 articles included in the review. Adjusted quality scores ranged from 44.5 to 16.5 with a mean of 26.3 points. For accurate comparison and consistency of terminology, splints described in the included articles were first classified according to the ASHT Splint Classification, expanded and refined version, and next according to their inherent material properties. Six splints in five classification categories were identified. Discussion of the results from the 11 included studies was organized according to splint category and further separated into strength, pain, and load applied sections. This review identified one Sackett level 1b study and ten Sackett level 2b studies that offer early positive, but not conclusive, support for the effectiveness of splinting lateral epicondylitis. None of the reviewed studies received a perfect quality score, and the wide range of quality scores attests to the fact that considerable improvement of future studies is essential.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1986

Splinting and replantation after traumatic avulsion.

A rational approach can be taken in the dental office to avulsion and replantation. Consideration must be given to: Extraoral time. During this critical time, the prognosis for successful replantation noticeably decreases as the out-of-mouth time increases. Transport. Preferably the tooth will be transported in the socket, but milk or water may be used to keep the tooth moist. The buccal vestibule may be recommended for adults and teenagers but not for young children. Root surface. The root surface must not be handled, scraped, brushed, or have any part removed; it can be rinsed with sterile water, saline, or tap water but not with caustic solutions, disinfectants, or medicaments to clean the surface. Endodontic treatment. A tooth with an open apex should be evaluated bimonthly for revitalization. A tooth with a fully formed apex should have the pulp removed in 7 to 14 days after avulsion. Status of the alveolar process. Alveolar fractures may require a modified splint design to provide additional strength for a longer splinting duration. Obturation materials. Calcium hydroxide paste is used for a minimum of 6 to 24 months before filling permanently with gutta-percha. Selection of a splint. Each case is different and should be treated as such. Special consideration must be given to splint design, which will directly influence the desired result. Although any number of splints may be effective, inherent advantages and disadvantages of each should be understood fully by the clinician. This is where the art, the clinical experience, and the common sense of endodontic therapy dictate the proper splint and appropriate duration of splinting for the patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A randomized, controlled trial of removable splinting versus casting for wrist buckle fractures in children.

OBJECTIVE: Wrist buckle fractures are a frequent reason for emergency department visits. Although textbooks recommend 2 to 4 weeks of immobilization in a short arm cast, management varies. Treatment with both casts and splints is common, and length of immobilization varies. The objective was to determine if children with distal radius and/or ulna buckle fractures treated with a removable splint have better physical functioning than those treated with a short arm cast for 3 weeks. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled trial in the emergency department of an academic, tertiary care children's hospital. Participants were children 6 to 15 years of age with distal radius and/or ulna buckle fractures who were randomly assigned to treatment with a short arm cast for 3 weeks or a removable splint. Cast removal was at 3 weeks. A validated self-reported outcome tool, the Activities Scales for Kids performance version (ASKp), was used to measure physical functioning over a 4-week period. The main outcome was the ASKp score at 14 days postinjury. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 113 patients, and 87 were included in the final analysis: 42 in the splint group and 45 in the cast group. Study groups were similar in age, gender, bone fractured, and dominant hand injured. There were significant differences in ASKp score at day 14 and change in ASKp from baseline at days 14 and 20, indicating better functioning in the splint group. Splinted children had less difficulty with bathing throughout the entire study. There were no significant differences in pain between groups as measured by visual analog scale. There were no refractures. CONCLUSIONS: Children treated with removable splinting have better physical functioning and less difficulty with activities than those treated with a cast.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Maximal bite force in patients with reduced periodontal tissue support with and without splinting.

BACKGROUND: Chewing and biting forces are supposed to be limited by sensory input from periodontal mechanoreceptors. This is why the threshold level of those receptors should be lower in teeth with reduced periodontal tissue support. The purposes of the present study were to evaluate the influence of reduced periodontal tissue support on maximal bite force in natural dentitions and to study the effect of splinting on maximal bite force. METHODS: In 10 patients with reduced periodontal tissue support (test), as well as in 10 periodontally healthy subjects (control), maximal bite force was measured. The remaining periodontal ligament area in the test group was calculated from x-rays. Bite force was assessed at 4 mm mouth opening in the premolar region without and following splinting of the posterior teeth and transduced using a strain-gauge (full-bridge circuit). Maximal bite force measured with and without splinting was compared between test and control subjects, and within each group. RESULTS: In test subjects, the mean periodontal ligament area was 48.5% (SD = 10.1) across first premolars and 50.0% (SD = 12.2) across posterior teeth (control: 100%). In test subjects, the mean maximal bite force without splinting was 357 N (SD = 70), and in control subjects, 378 N (SD = 66; P > 0.05). After splinting, the bite force in test subjects was 509 N (SD = 75), and in control subjects, 534 N (SD = 49; P > 0.05). Bite force before and after splinting was P < 0.05 within each group. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced periodontal tissue support does not seem to limit bite force with maximal strength in natural dentitions as measured by a device that opens the bite by 4 mm. Furthermore, maximal biting forces at 4 mm mouth opening are increased when molar teeth are included in a posterior splint.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Material properties: a factor in the selection and application of splinting materials for athletic wrist and hand injuries.

Athletic injuries to the wrist and hand are common in clinical practice. When indicated, the use of a protective playing splint enables athletes to continue sports participation. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the splinting material properties that determine the materials' suitability for use in fabrication of a protective playing splint. A second aim is to present currently available splinting materials. The clinical reasoning process for material application and selection is based on understanding material properties, the type and severity of the injury, phase of treatment, and type of sport. Of the materials included in this paper, only the low-temperature materials are acceptable for use in construction of rigid splints. The no heat or layered materials can be used for fabricating the semirigid splints. It is suggested that meaningful comparisons between the material properties can only be made if laboratory and clinical comparative studies are conducted to compare the physical and mechanical properties of the splinting materials used in athletic application.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed1995

Outcome of 6-week treatment with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation compared with splint on symptomatic temporomandibular joint disk displacement without reduction.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) with the flat occlusal splint in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk displacement without reduction. Thirty-one patients were included and randomly selected to be treated 6 weeks with either TENS (90 Hz, 30 min, three times/day) or with a flat occlusal splint (24 h/day. Those selected for the TENS group had one electrode placed over the painful TMJ and another electrode over the anterior temporal muscle. The splint group used a conventional flat occlusal splint with cuspid guidance. Both treatment groups visited the clinic once a week. Symptoms and signs were registered before and after treatment. The intensity of pain was recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with an electronic pocket-sized recorder (Pain-Track) carried 1 week before and also the last week of treatment for continuous registration of pain. Measured with the VAS, half of the patients treated with splints became pain-free or their TMJ pain improved at least 50% both at rest and with jaw function compared with only 6% in the TENS-treated group. With regard to strictly chewing pain, the VAS-registered pain improved in two-thirds of the splint group, compared with 50% of the TENS group. With the Pain-Track device it was found that in most individuals pain was aggrevated at mealtimes. The conclusion was that flat occlusal splints in several respects are better than TENS in the treatment of symptoms associated with TMJ disk displacement without reduction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Functional distal interphalangeal joint splinting for trigger finger in laborers: a review and cadaver investigation.

This two-part study evaluates the efficacy of functional distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) splinting for the treatment of trigger finger. Thirty-one fingers from 21 meat packing plant workers were treated with DIP splinting. A single corticosteroid injection was offered if triggering was stage 4 or greater. All workers returned to work immediately. Eighty-one percent of the digits were treated successfully (mean follow-up: 1 year). Treatment failure correlated with duration of symptoms and stage of triggering but did not correlate with age, race, sex, disease in multiple digits, or prior treatment. For the second part of the study, the effect of DIP splinting on flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon excursion was studied in 16 fingers from 4 fresh cadavers. Excursion decreased 4.8 mm for the Stax splint and 4.2 mm for the dorsal Alumafoam splint. We conclude that DIP splinting provides a reliable and functional means of treating work-related trigger finger without lost time from work. Our cadaver investigation supports our theory that DIP splinting significantly decreases FDP excursion.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

A survey of rationales for and against hand splinting in hemiplegia.

This study investigated rationales underlying splinting decisions involving patients with hemiplegia. The survey incorporated a limited-choice, multiple-option questionnaire based on the case study of a man with a left hemiparesis at three hypothetical stages of recovery. Ninety-three occupational therapists who answered indicated whether they would or would not recommend a splint at each stage, and selected one or more reasons for their decisions. The respondents fell into three major categories: those who would 1. never splint, 2. always splint, and 3. splint only in the presence of moderate to severe spasticity. Those with longer clinical experience reflected more tendency to splint. The results indicated conflicting practices in splinting and showed the need for further clinical research in this area.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Hand splinting in quadriplegia: current practice.

A mailed survey was conducted to collect information about the application of hand splints to patients with spinal cord injuries resulting in quadriplegia at levels C-5, C-6, C-7, and C-8. Survey respondents were occupational therapists in spinal cord injury centers nationwide. Frequency and descriptive statistics were collected concerning both static and dynamic splints, the clinical reasoning behind splint selection, and methods used for the evaluation of hand function. The results of the survey indicate that hand splinting is an accepted intervention for the target population. A variety of static splint designs were used, depending on level of injury, muscle strength, and the patient's acceptance. The dynamic splint designs were used most frequently with patients whose lesions were at C-6 and C-7. The reasons for not splinting were primarily related to the patient's compliance and acceptance. Observation of patients' performance of functional tasks was the preferred method of evaluation of hand function, as there are no appropriate standardized tests available for this population.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2000

Thumb digital neuropathy caused by splinting.

Healthcare professionals are currently faced with a great variety of splints and splinting materials. Choices range from prefabricated products to custom splints made on-site from plaster, orthoplast, or fiberglass. In addition to providing immobilization to maintain a particular posture, a splint must protect important soft tissues. Patients with hand or wrist injuries often receive a prefabricated metal cock-up wrist splint in emergency departments. Complications from splints are not uncommon but are infrequently reported. We report a case in which a metal wrist cock-up splint caused compression of the thumb ulnar digital nerve. Preventive measures for such complication are included.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Direct-indirect heat-cured occlusal splint fabrication for a patient with limited mouth opening.

There are several conditions that can cause limited mouth opening. Recent literature on some of the most common conditions is discussed in this article. The difficulty in making alginate impressions may prevent indirect laboratory fabrication of heat-cured occlusal splints for patients with limited mouth opening. This article presents a combined direct-indirect technique for fabricating a heat-cured laboratory-processed maxillary occlusal splint in a case where making a mandibular alginate impression would have been extremely difficult. An extra-hard baseplate wax interocclusal record was used as a template for occlusal splint fabrication. The wax record was fitted to the maxillary side, then the mandible was gently manipulated to provide light imprints of the opposing teeth. The wax record provided the therapeutic vertical dimension as well as the therapeutic interocclusal relationship for the occlusal splint. The wax record was seated and sealed to the maxillary cast and modified on the palatal and facial aspects for the appropriate splint shape. The splint was processed using clear heat-cured acrylic resin. It required minimum adjustment on delivery. This procedure spared the patient from having a lower impression, which would have been required for the traditional laboratory-made occlusal splint. Increased adjustment time and excessive exposure to unoccurred acrylic resin, which would have occurred with direct intraoral fabrication, were minimized or eliminated using this technique.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1999

Use and abuse of bite splints.

Bite splints are often used in the treatment of patients with oral parafunctions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or temporomandibular disorders. The most common reasons for prescribing a bite splint are to protect the teeth in patients with bruxism, to improve jaw-muscle and TMJ function, and to relieve related pain. The risk for negative side effects is small in conservative bite splint treatment. Complications from long-term use of splints, however, can be severe and irreversible. The risks are especially high when mandibular advancement splints, or splints that make contact only with parts of the opposing dentition, are used for more than 4 to 6 weeks without appropriate supervision. As a general rule, a dentist should not encourage a patient to use any type of splint for more than a few months except for cases in which the teeth need to be protected because of persistent oral parafunctions. Appropriate record keeping, including signed consent forms, is necessary; when neglected, it becomes difficult for the dentist to defend himself from false accusations of malpractice.

Bruxism↗
PubMed1999

[Effects of muscular position splint on maxillomandibular realignment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of muscular position splint on maxillomandibular realignment. METHODS: The changes of occlusal impression on splint in 102 craniomandibular disorder (CMD) patients were recorded after wearing the splint 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, two to three or six months. If there appeared instability of occlusal impression when biting, the original impression was cleared and new soft resin was placed on its surface in order to get a new impression. The splint was always adjusted to fit well. When the signs and symptoms of CMD disappeared, the splint was worn off. Finally, whether the muscular contact position harmonized with the intercuspal position (ICP) or not was recorded. RESULTS: There appeared two different conditions: 1. The original occlusal impression remained unchanged in 66 patients; 2. Being unfitted in 36 patients, occlusal analysis revealed that 12/102 patients had abnormal occlusion including premature anterior teeth contact (2 cases), natural defective vertical dimension (1 case) and deflected ICP (9 cases). These abnormal occlusion could not be determined before treatment. CONCLUSION: The muscular position splint can correct the abnormal muscular position. On the premise that the muscular position is normal, the muscular position splint can be used to judge whether the ICP is normal.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Splinting technique for traumatic luxation of anterior permanent teeth].

Extrusive luxations of both, upper and lower incisors, represent a frequent event in dental traumatology. The Authors present some cases in which elastic splints have been used. In fact recent researches show that, even soon after a traumatic event, is not indicated to immobilize teeth with rigid fixed splints because they don't allow any dental function. It is therefore preferable the use of elastic splints for 2-4 weeks, instead of rigid splints for long periods. The Authors then describe the techniques, the methods and the radiographic controls and pulp tests used in this kind of traumatic pathology, showing the positive long term results obtained by using elastic splints instead of rigid splints which often present as result root resorptions or pulp necrosis. In fact with elastic splints is possible to replace and maintain luxated teeth, allowing at the same time a certain function of teeth and their support tissues.

Dental Pulp Necrosis↗
PubMed2000

Effectiveness of intestinal tube splinting: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of intestinal tube splinting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical, operative and outcome data of 186 patients undergoing 200 intestinal splinting procedures from 1973 until 1996 were accumulated in a prospective database. Endpoints were perioperative morbidity, mortality and the incidence of subsequent small bowel obstruction (SBO). The latest follow-up performed in 1998 updated the outcome of 197 procedures after 1-25 (median 7) years. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, the overall incidence of complications was 9%, procedural complications 2%, and repeat surgery 3%. Three patients died during the index hospitalization. No patient suffered early SBO. Between 1 and 13 years after splinting, 6 complete SBOs (3%) necessitated reoperation and 5 incomplete SBOs (2.5%) were managed conservatively. After splinting for late SBO, freedom from complete SBO was 0.989 and of incomplete SBO 0.906, after splinting for early SBO 0.872 and 0.972, respectively, and for segmental peritonitic SBO freedom from complete SBO 0.8. No obstruction followed prophylactic splinting. CONCLUSIONS: Splinting was a reasonably safe procedure with comparatively low morbidity and mortality. The procedure prevented early SBO in all indicatory subgroups, reduced the rate of late recurrent SBO in patients treated for late adhesive SBO as compared with historical outcome data of simple enterolysis and prevented late SBO when performed prophylactically.

Databases, Factual↗