Low-profile dynamic splints: a solution to the friction problem.
To find a solution to the problem of friction between the nylon fishing line and the outrigger of a low-profile dynamic splint, a jig was manufactured to bend notches in 2.5-mm copper-coated welding rod. This type of outrigger was compared with an adjustable stainless-steel outrigger to determine which of the two types produces the least amount of friction. As one of each type of outrigger was covered with a layer of Teflon paint, four different outriggers were compared with each other: welding rod only, welding rod with Teflon, stainless steel with Teflon, and stainless steel only. Equal traction units were attached to each of the outriggers and the amount of elongation of a 50-mm tension spring was measured when a 300-g weight was hooked onto it. This was compared with the elongation of the same spring when no friction was present. The results show that the Teflon-covered outriggers displayed significantly (on a 5% level) less friction than did the uncovered outriggers. The stainless-steel outrigger with Teflon performed slightly better than the welding-rod outrigger with Teflon. However, there was no significant difference between these two outriggers, and because the welding-rod outrigger is cheaper and more readily available, it is recommended for clinical use.
van Velze
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Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.
Farmer
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H
D004867:Equipment Design; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D009757:Nylons; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013165:Splints; D013193:Stainless Steel
D009757:Nylons; D013193:Stainless Steel; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene