title: The Kleinert dynamic splint: where it fails and how it can be modified.
abstract: After primary tenoraphy of flexor tendons one often finds a hampered function of the DIP-joint. Analysis of the pattern of early mobilization exercised by our patients in the Kleinert splint and analysis of the excursions of the flexor tendons of fresh unembalmed specimens brought us to the conclusion that the Kleinert dynamic splint fails in maintaining a sliding movement of the deep and the superficial flexor tendons along each other because the splint excludes motion at the distal interphalangeal joint. Based on our observations we modified the Kleinert dynamic splint. Our experience with 37 patients shows that this modified splint gives a better function in the DIP-joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sint Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Theuvenet
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kauer
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Koeijers
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Borghouts
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005384:Finger Joint; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013165:Splints / Q000592:standards*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery