Efficacy of a new artificial muscle-type dynamic traction splint for rheumatoid arthritis-related painful wrist joint contracture: A case study

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that rest reduces joint pain in rheumatic hands. The effectiveness of the darts throw motion has also been reported as an exercise therapy for contracted hands. Thus, we devised a new artificial muscle-type dynamic traction splint (DTSaM) that has both fixation and correction functions. The DTSaM incorporates the McKibben-type pneumatic rubber artificial muscle, whose excellent tension has been used as the power source for the orthotic part until now and coexists with the darts throw motion. Therefore, the authors used this splint on patients with rheumatism. In the current case, the range of motion, pain, and grip strength were significantly improved 8 weeks after the patient started wearing the splint. This splint may be an effective assistive device for pain relief.