Hand splint for rheumatoid arthritis patients during gait training after joint replacement in lower extremity.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have multiple joint problems, often making it difficult to use gait aids after a joint replacement in the leg. To address this problem, we designed a hand splint with a hook on the palmar side for use with parallel bars. Patients put these splints on both hands and they can walk holding the bars with the hooks. Best suited for using this splint are rheumatoid arthritis patients who are unable to hold parallel bars without marked pain in the hands or fingers, contracture of the wrist joint, or dislocation of finger joints. Several patients have tried this splint, which worked safely and satisfactorily during exercise.