Lycra working splint for the rheumatoid arthritic hand with MCP ulnar deviation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is described by Swanson (1995) as 'the greatest crippler from the standpoint of severity and prolonged disability' (p. 1307). One key factor in keeping persons with rheumatoid arthritis independent in their activities of daily living is maintaining functional use of their hands. In rural areas, where a move to assisted accommodation may require a person to leave the locality, this splint may help older citizens to remain functional and at home. The deformity and instability caused in rheumatoid arthritic hands by radial deviation of the wrist and subsequent ulnar deviation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints can greatly affect functional use of the hands. In this article, design and fabrication instructions for a lycra working splint which is suitable for the rheumatoid arthritic hand with MCP ulnar deviation are presented. Health professionals working in rural areas will find this splint inexpensive and easy to design, either alone or, ideally, with the assistance of regional occupational therapists.