An Improved Splint Design for Boutonniere Deformity

Boutonniere deformities are a common injury to the extensor mechanism of the finger. The deformity results in fixed contraction in the medial finger joint, and is severely debilitating to functionality. Due to the complexity of the mechanism, surgical procedures are difficult, expensive, and often unsuccessful. However, nonsurgical treatment of the deformity has not changed in many years and remains time consuming and mostly ineffective. The goal of this work is to develop an improved mechanical brace, to correct the deformity, by utilizing unconventional materials such as Nitinol and proven therapeutic techniques such as heat and motion to increase blood flow to the damaged tissue.