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While Oval-8 splints come in sizes ranging from a very small size 2 to a size 15 with
half sizes built into the splint design, occasionally the length or angle may need to be adjusted
for a custom fit.
Oval-8s are made with high temperature plastic and can be adjusted with a Precision Spot
Heat Gun or a standard heat gun fitted with a spot heater.
Oval-8 splints can be adjusted to hold a joint in 15 to 20 degrees of hyperextension when
treating a Mallet Finger or 15 to 20 degrees of flexion to treat a Swan Neck.
To do this, hold the Precision Spot about half an inch away and heat the side of the
splint where the band and the oval section meet for a slow count of 1-2-3. Turn the splint
around and repeat on the other side - 1-2-3. The splint should be shiny and give slightly.
- While the splint is warm, push up on the band and down on each end of the oval to decrease
the depth of the splint. Hold for about 5 seconds or until the splint is fully cooled.
Flattening the splint makes it fit tighter so dont press too hard or it will be difficult
to slide it on the finger.
If the splint is fit with the band on top of the joint, the joint will be in slight
hyperextension.
Fitting the splint with the band on the bottom will hold the joint in slight flexion. The
splint does need to fit snugly to hold this angle and having the wearer bend their finger
as they slide the splint on will make it easier to apply.
Shortening an Oval-8
When treating a Mallet Finger, the Oval-8 may need to be shortened to allow for full
PIP flexion, especially when fitting someone with short, broad fingers.
Because shortening the splint also makes it larger, choose a splint that fits comfortably
on the joint and then choose a splint one size smaller to adjust. In this case, a size
6 fits and I am going to make the adjustment on a size 5.
- heat the splint with the Precision Spot Heat Gun where the oval section and band meet
for a count of 1-2-3 seconds. Turn it over and heat the other side for 1-2-3 seconds.
- Squeeze the ends of the oval section together to shorten it and increase the depth of the
splint. Hold for about 5 seconds or until the splint is fully cooled.
Now the size 8 fits like a 9 but is short enough for the PIP to bend fully.
. If you need to adjust the splint a bit more, reheat the splint only for 1 to 2 seconds
at a time to prevent overheating it.
- With a little care and a few seconds of your time, the wearer will have a comfortable,
custom fit finger splint that will last for years.