Use Cases

Indications for use may include:

• Dupuytren’s contracture post surgery or Xiaflex
• PIP joint stiffness
• Trigger finger release (stenosing tenosynovitis or STS)

Flexion deformities of the PIP joints of the fingers are a common problem in hand rehabilitation. Static progressive splinting is effective in overcoming these deformities. The Joint Jack® provides this steady force with infinite control and adjustability.

Usage

We highly recommend having the Joint Jack^® custom fitted by a licensed Physical, Occupational, or Hand Therapist.

Apply the Joint Jack^® for one hour two or three times a day, or if it is to be worn all night, an hour before retiring.

Step 1: Bend the metal extension bar of the splint so the strap and screw fit directly at the PIP joint.  Be sure the screw is directly perpendicular (at a 90º angle) to the metal plate.

Step 2: Adjust the ends with pliers for a comfortable/contoured fit in the palm and to avoid pressure at the tip. The pressure should be more on the volar plate of the DIP joint than on the tip of the finger.

Step 3: With the screw backed out, tighten the strap. A pen mark can be used to establish a consistent starting point.

Step 4: Gradually tighten the screw so that there is steady pressure, but not pain. There is rapid, early gain that must be overcome for each application. Because of this "rapid gain phase," the successful use of the Joint Jack^® follows applications of one hour or more.  During the course of the hour, continue to gradually tighten the screw to maintain steady pressure.  Be careful not to tighten the screw too aggressively which may cause pain.

Step 5: Should the screw become fully tightened, it is then backed off completely, the strap is taken up as much as possible, and the screw turning is resumed.

If the splint is to be worn at night, a circumferential piece of tape will hold it in place, or use a velcro strap with self-adhesive hook placed on the proximal end of the splint. The screw can be loosened slightly for sleeping.

Variations:

The Joint Jack^® can also be modified to use on the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, or the DIP joint of a finger. To apply, the strap and screw are simply placed at the level of the joint.

Product Details

• The Joint Jack^® is made of mild steel for adaptation to all finger positions.
• The drive mechanism consists of a screw and strap permanently attached yet capable of being placed anywhere on the bridge of the splint.
• The tension on the strap is progressed by tightening the screw. It is available in five sizes. The large size is most frequently used.

Use Cases

Indications for use may include:

• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS)

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS) is characterized by pain out of proportion to the injury, edema, vasomotor and trophic changes, stiffness and decreased function at the hand and an associated "frozen shoulder"(a.k.a. Shoulder-Hand Syndrome). Active exercise that provides a sustained load to the extremity with minimal motion of painful joints provides the stimulus for resolution of this problem.

Usage

The Dystrophile® has set the standard for a structured exercise program to resolve RSD/CRPS that can be carried out at home by the patient. It can be graded by resistance (up to 12 pounds) and duration (generally 3 to 7 minutes three times a day).

The patient is positioned on the floor in a quadruped position pushing down on the handle until the light goes on. While maintaining this pressure, the patient moves the Dystrophile® on the Dystromat or on a rug in a back and forth direction as if scrubbing a floor. If the patient is unable to get on the floor, the Dystrophile® and Dystromat can be placed on a table and used in the same manner.

No sympathetic blocks, sympathectomies, IV medication or other invasive techniques have been necessary over a thirty year period utilizing this approach in a large hand practice.

Product Details

• Pressure Sensitive Handle: causes light to turn on when patient is maintaining the pre-set weight on the handle.
• OLED Display: shows force and duration of use.
• Log switch: multifunction controlling all the Dystrophile^® settings such as weight load.
• Indicator Light: Switches on as long as the pre-set load is maintained.
• Charging port: USB-C standard charging cord
• Bluetooth Module: Built in for communication with the Joint Jack Dystrophile^® app available on the App store.
• Dystrophile^® App: Allows settings and reporting right to your computer or smartphone. Allows for the therapist to set the exercise program and download a spreadsheet with the patient results.

Don't forget to pick up your Dystromat to protect your surfaces and Dystro-polish Cleaning kit that was specially engineered to improve performance and extend the life of your Dystrophile^® and other plastics. 

Use Cases

Indications for use may include:

• Dupuytren's contracture post surgery or Xiaflex
• Trigger finger release (stenosing tenosynovitis or STS)
• Tenolysis of the flexor tendons
• MP joint stiffness
• Intrinsic tightness

Usage

Application for full finger extension

Apply the Joint-Spring^® for one hour two or three times a day or, if it is to be worn all night, an hour before retiring.

Step 1: Loosen the screws and position the pads over the MP and PIP joints. Then tighten the screws to maintain the position.

Step 2: Gradually tighten the wrist strap. The distal strap can also be adjusted, but should not be too tight.

Step 3: If more force is desired, the bar can be bent backwards and/or a bracer bars can be slid beneath the velcro straps on the dorsum of the splint.

Application for isolated MP joint extension

Step 1: Loosen the screws and position the pads over the MP joint and the dorsum of the hand. Then tighten the screws to maintain the position.

Step 2: The velcro sling is then secured over the PIP joint.

Step 3: Adjustments in force can be made in the same manner as described above.

Joint Spring is now also available through Performance Health!

Product Details

• Adjustable wrist and finger velcro straps
• Comfort Padding
• Adjustable screws allow for custom tensioning in multiple locations
• Adjustable steel bar for multiple positioning

Use Cases

Indications for use may include:

The Cinch Strap provides a means for regaining passive finger flexion using steady non-elastic force.

Usage

The Cinch Strap is applied for 1 hour gradually tightening the strap, 2-3 times a day.

For PIP and DIP joint flexion the tip of the finger is in the loop and the loop encircles the finger.

The strap passes in back of the metacarpals and the loop encircles the finger on the distal end of the middle phalanx. This is the most common application.

The strap is applied in the clinic and a pen mark is made as a starting point. The patient then marks maximum gain with a pen at home.

The Cinch Strap can be applied in various ways, depending on the joint involved and the degree of extension contracture. The basic loop is used to maintain finger position.

 

Product Details

• Made with sturdy non-elastic material
• Adjustable metal buckle
• Washable