great video have a mallet injutry on my ring finger, basically done with my 8 weeks of splint time, it's a metal one with padding (that i think makes my finger droop a tiny bit) wish i had this 2 months ago! thank you for this
Hi, it really depends on where you are, and how the health care system works in your country. Ideally, you can find a hand therapist somewhere close to you who can custom-make a thermoplastic splint for you. If not, you may need to come up with a makeshift alternative. I have seen patients do this using bits of reticulation pipe, pop-sticks from icecreams, small strips of aluminium, or many other things. The principle of treatment is the same - keep the end joint straight FULL TIME for 6-8 weeks. Good luck!!
A good outcome from splinting gets less and less likely the longer you delay. A year after the injury, there is probably less than 50% chance of the tendon actually healing - but this estimate is based on very limited experience. Most patients I have had who have been in that situation have elected not to even try - they are usually getting quite used to living with the bent fingertip, and don't want to go through the hassle of 8 weeks of splinting with no guarantee of a good outcome. However, I have definitely had an occasional success story - even one patient who was 3 years post mallet injury, wore his splint full time (very diligent) for 8 weeks then part time for 2 more weeks, and made a full recovery. So, in summary, more likely to be unsuccessful, but no reason not to give it a go! All the best 😊
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Getting hold of the thermoplastic really depends on where you are, and how the health care system works in your country. Here in Australia I can purchase it in 60cm x 45cm sheets from medical suppliers. Ideally, you can find a hand therapist somewhere close to you who can custom-make a thermoplastic splint for you. If you can't find the plastic anywhere, you may need to come up with a makeshift alternative. I have seen patients do this using bits of reticulation pipe, pop-sticks from icecreams, small strips of aluminium, or many other things. The principle of treatment is the same - keep the end joint straight FULL TIME for 6-8 weeks. Good luck!!
Hi Raymond; here in Australia the thermoplastic sheets can be purchased from medical supply companies - but this might be quite different if you are in some other part of the world. The plastic I use most often is made by Orfit, so another option would be to see if Orfit have a distributor anywhere near you? I buy it in 60cm x 45cm sheets, which is a bit of overkill for a single mallet finger splint! Maybe someone could send you a sample piece? 10cm x 6cm would be enough for almost any finger. I use Orfit Colors 2.0mm microperforated. All the best getting a splint made for your finger!
great video have a mallet injutry on my ring finger, basically done with my 8 weeks of splint time, it's a metal one with padding (that i think makes my finger droop a tiny bit) wish i had this 2 months ago! thank you for this
great video have a mallet injutry on my ring finger, basically done with my 8 weeks of splint time, it's a metal one with padding (that i think makes my finger droop a tiny bit) wish i had this 2 months ago! thank you for this
Where can i buy that plastic to protect my finger .i injured mine today please help
Hi, it really depends on where you are, and how the health care system works in your country. Ideally, you can find a hand therapist somewhere close to you who can custom-make a thermoplastic splint for you. If not, you may need to come up with a makeshift alternative. I have seen patients do this using bits of reticulation pipe, pop-sticks from icecreams, small strips of aluminium, or many other things. The principle of treatment is the same - keep the end joint straight FULL TIME for 6-8 weeks. Good luck!!
I have mallet finger more than a year ago, its curable help with finger splint??
A good outcome from splinting gets less and less likely the longer you delay. A year after the injury, there is probably less than 50% chance of the tendon actually healing - but this estimate is based on very limited experience. Most patients I have had who have been in that situation have elected not to even try - they are usually getting quite used to living with the bent fingertip, and don't want to go through the hassle of 8 weeks of splinting with no guarantee of a good outcome. However, I have definitely had an occasional success story - even one patient who was 3 years post mallet injury, wore his splint full time (very diligent) for 8 weeks then part time for 2 more weeks, and made a full recovery.
So, in summary, more likely to be unsuccessful, but no reason not to give it a go! All the best 😊
where can I get that plastic?
Hi, thanks for getting in touch. Getting hold of the thermoplastic really depends on where you are, and how the health care system works in your country. Here in Australia I can purchase it in 60cm x 45cm sheets from medical suppliers. Ideally, you can find a hand therapist somewhere close to you who can custom-make a thermoplastic splint for you. If you can't find the plastic anywhere, you may need to come up with a makeshift alternative. I have seen patients do this using bits of reticulation pipe, pop-sticks from icecreams, small strips of aluminium, or many other things. The principle of treatment is the same - keep the end joint straight FULL TIME for 6-8 weeks. Good luck!!
Where can I order the plastic to make a custom split at home?
Hi Raymond; here in Australia the thermoplastic sheets can be purchased from medical supply companies - but this might be quite different if you are in some other part of the world. The plastic I use most often is made by Orfit, so another option would be to see if Orfit have a distributor anywhere near you? I buy it in 60cm x 45cm sheets, which is a bit of overkill for a single mallet finger splint! Maybe someone could send you a sample piece? 10cm x 6cm would be enough for almost any finger. I use Orfit Colors 2.0mm microperforated.
All the best getting a splint made for your finger!
great video have a mallet injutry on my ring finger, basically done with my 8 weeks of splint time, it's a metal one with padding (that i think makes my finger droop a tiny bit) wish i had this 2 months ago! thank you for this