What is a Short Opponen’s Splint?
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The Short Opponen’s splint is designed by a hand therapist used to treat thumb pain caused by arthritis in the base of the thumb. This splint has been around for several years. Still, here at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, we have developed a similar concept for a customized splint.
Short Opponen’s Splints by JOI Rehab Hand Therapists
The base of the thumb arthritis is one the most common cause of thumb pain. Even in the early stages, daily activities of pinching, gripping and fine motor tasks can become extremely painful. An easy first line of treatment is to wear a splint that can help stabilize the arthritic joint. Most splints are large and prevent the movement of uninvolved joints.
This splint offers a much more effective alternative to these. It is lightweight and provides specific joint stability to limit pain while allowing functional use of the wrist and thumb. It is a thin, flexible piece of plastic that surrounds the base of the thumb with a thin bar that crosses the palm of the hand with 2 straps that loop to provide compressive forces. The plastic has a thin bar of metal in it that the customer pushes into the palm to provide a corrective force and stabilize the joint.
OT Custom Splints
JOI created the functional thumb brace to help a patient meet his work goals, and it has evolved into standard treatment. It started with a patient who had bilateral thumb arthritis. His occupation required frequent gripping and pinching. He came to therapy after having Dr. Madden perform a CMC-1 arthroplasty or “thumb replacement” for one of his hands. He did very well, but he wanted to return to work and hold off on doing the other hand and was asking for suggestions.
The hand therapists at south worked on making a similar low-profile splint that would allow the same freedom of movement but give stronger, more durable support. The patient loved it and showed Dr. Madden immediately. He found the new splint so comfortable that he could delay his surgery for an additional 2 years. Dr. Madden started to refer other patients diagnosed with thumb arthritis to try one of these splints. The votes were unanimous for the new design. It is now a consistent first option for patients. Patients continue to come months and even years after and states that they still use it for all activities.
Related Articles: Thumb Spica Splint, Arthritis of the hand and Hand Splinting Techniques.
By: Joanna Starkey-Marshall, DPT, CHT
Where to the Short Opponen’s Splint?
To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.