Angular Digital Orthosis for DIP Joint Hyperextension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating mallet injuries, which involve loss of extension of the distal interphalangeal joint, often compromise tactile function and fail to maintain full extension due to straight designs that allow partial flexion.
Innovation Solution
A device with an apex volarly angled distal projection at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint, made from a thin, flexible material that contacts the finger pad, providing hyperextension while maintaining tactile function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior designs wrap around the tip of the digit or cover the finger pad with rigid or dense material, then the DIP joint is maintained in extension, but tactile function of the digit is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tapelike component from the traditional wraparound design, leaving the tip of the digit completely uncovered. This removes the harmful factor (material coverage) while preserving the therapeutic function through the angular splint geometry alone
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a thin, flexible material for the splint that contacts the finger pad minimally. This thin film approach provides necessary support while allowing tactile function to persist, unlike rigid or dense materials in prior designs
2Ease of manufacture
If prior designs use straight splints without apex volarly angled elements, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the DIP joint partially flexes when the splint migrates distally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an apex volarly angled distal projection - a specific geometric curvature/angle - that prevents distal migration and maintains joint hyperextension. This angular feature is built into the simple splint design, providing reliable joint positioning without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The angular splint design creates an asymmetric geometry with the apex volar angle that prevents the splint from migrating distally. This asymmetric shape ensures the splint maintains its position and keeps the DIP joint in hyperextension, overcoming the symmetry of straight designs
3Device complexity
If prior designs use straight or gently bowed splints, then the device complexity is low, but the DIP joint flexes when the splint does not perfectly fit the digit size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the splint by incorporating the apex volar angle. This angular parameter ensures proper fit and function across different digit sizes without requiring complex adjustments, maintaining reliable hyperextension regardless of digit size variations
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to an angular digital device for loss of distal joint extension. A device formed from a thin, rigid material shaped to fit the dorsal soft-tissue contour of the middle phalanx of a digit with one or more apex volarly angled distal projections which arise at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint and with a thin sling of material secured to the distal projection(s) by which the volar pad of the distal phalanx is supported in order to provide hyperextension of the distal joint of the digit while maintaining tactile function of the pad of the digit.