An Evaluation Device for Quantifying Joint Stiffness in the Burned Hand

Abstract

An electronic device capable of measuring finger joint stiffness has been developed and used to evaluate the effects of dynamic flexion splinting on the recovery of joint motion in patients with burned hands. The device locates an angle of primary (greatest) resistance and the reactive torque at that angle for a selected joint. Using the device, four subjects with stiff hands were measured before and after dynamic splinting treatments. During the 3-day treatment period, there were statistically significant differences in the angle of primary resistance (p less than 0.0001) and reactive torque (p less than 0.001). This initial trial suggests that: (1) finger stiffness can be quantified in terms of reactive torque as well as joint excursion, (2) dynamic rubber-band flexion splinting does alter joint condition and allow increased motion, (3) the amount of initial joint stiffness may be an indicator of treatment outcome, and (4) increasing treatment time may not enhance outcome.