Abstract:
A Finger Splint for treating boutonniere deformities is provided. The Finger Splint has a dual axis support mechanism that allows full flexure and extension of the finger while pressure is applied to correct the deformity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to orthopedic splints, and more particularly to finger splints for treating boutonniere deformities. 
       2. Description of the Related Art 
       [0005]    A boutonniere deformity is a condition of the finger where the joint nearest the knuckle (the PIP joint) is bent toward the palm while the farthest joint (the DIP joint) is bent back away. This is called PIP flexion with DIP hyperextension. It can be caused by injury or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Such injuries and conditions are a common occurrence and are most often treated with splints that immobilize the finger. However, rendering a finger completely immobile during the course of healing is not always desirable. In particular, with a boutonniere deformity caused by injury, lack of movement of the joint can produce undesirable tendon contraction and inhibit rehabilitation. Although some splints that allow movement of the joint exist, the motion allowable is restricted to bending about a single axis, which prevents the finger from fully flexing. In addition, the splints that allow motion do not include any corrective means for the condition. It is an object of the present invention to provide a finger splint which allows full motion of the joint while also providing an adjustable external force to the deformed area. By applying external force to correct the condition while allowing flexure of the finger, rehabilitation of the condition can be greatly accelerated. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a finger splint comprised of a dual axis flexible finger support with an attached deformity correction device. The dual axis flexible finger support includes a proximal phalanx support and a distal phalanx support that are each rotatably connected to a frame. The deformity correction device is adjustably attached to the top of the frame and has a loosely attached pressure device for applying uniform force to the top of the finger. To use the device, the patient simply inserts the injured finger into the splint and then adjusts the pressure device until it is applying a comfortable pressure to the deformed joint. The patient can extend and contract the finger, rotating both the PIP and DIP joints. This extension and contraction while pressure is applied to the joint allows exercise of the tendons while correcting the condition. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures, and: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the Finger Splint shown with a finger inserted; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  provides two side views of the Finger Splint showing it fully contracted ( FIG. 2 a   ) and fully expanded ( FIG. 2 b   ); 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  provides a side view ( FIG. 3 a   ) and a front view ( FIG. 3 b   ) without the padding components, a front view with the padding components ( FIG. 3 e   ), and a side view (FIG.  3   c ) and a front view ( FIG. 3 d   ) of only the Frame Assembly with a padding component; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  provides perspective views of the various components of the device without padding components; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  provides a side view and front view with the padding components. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the disclosure and which show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. The drawings, the foregoing discussion, and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its application in any manner. 
         [0014]    The Finger Splint  101  is comprised of a Dual Axis Flexible Finger Support  102  with an attached Deformity Correction Device  103 . The Dual Axis Flexible Finger Support  102  includes a Distal Phalanx Support  401  and a Proximal Phalanx Support  402  that are each rotatably connected to a Frame Assembly  301 . The Frame Assembly  301  is shown separately in  FIGS. 3 c  and 3 d   . The Phalanx Supports ( 401  and  402 ) are attached to the Frame Assembly  301  such that they can rotate independently about two different axes, allowing full contraction and extension of both the PIP and DIP finger joints, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The Frame Assembly  301  consists of a Lower Support  302 , an Upper Frame  303 , and a Bracket  304 . Each component is preferably made of steel, but may also be made from suitably strong plastic. In an alternate embodiment, the Lower Support  302 , Upper Frame  303  and Bracket  304  could be made from one or two pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the Lower Support  302  has an attached Lower Support Pad  305  that is made of foam, rubber, or other suitable material to provide a comfortable surface to support the patient&#39;s finger. 
         [0015]    The Distal Phalanx Support  401  and Proximal Phalanx Support  402  are of suitable inner diameters to accommodate the distal phalanx and proximal phalanx, respectively, of the injured finger. They both preferably have Comfort Pads  306  made from foam, rubber, or other suitable cushioning material as shown in  FIG. 3   e.    
         [0016]    The Deformity Correction Device  103  is adjustably attached to the Bracket  304  at the top of the Frame Assembly  301 . In a preferred embodiment, the Deformity Correction Device  103  has a Threaded Part  306  that is screwed into a threaded hole in the Bracket  304  and a loosely attached Finger Plate  403  with a Finger Pad  104  made of foam, rubber or other suitable cushioning material attached to the bottom. The Finger Plate  403  is loosely attached to the Threaded Part  306  so that when the Threaded Part  306  is rotated, the Finger Plate  403  does not rotate relative to the patient&#39;s finger. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the Finger Plate  403  has a small amount of axial play so that when it is pushed against the finger it angles to match the surface of the finger for the patient&#39;s comfort. 
         [0017]    To use the device, the patient simply inserts the injured finger into the Finger Splint  101  and then adjusts the Deformity Correction Device  103  until it is applying a comfortable pressure to the injured joint. The patient can extend and contract the finger, rotating both the PIP and DIP joints. This extension and contraction while pressure is applied allows exercise of the tendons while correcting the condition. 
         [0018]    Many modifications and variations of this invention may be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The embodiment as described herein was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practiced applications.