How to Make a Boutonniere Splint

A boutonniere splint's primary purpose is to secure the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the hand, as a result of the boutonniere deformity. There are several causes of the boutonniere deformity, which include inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or a physical injury. The deformity involves the joints in the fingers of the hand, called the interphalangeal joints (IP). Two of the joints of the fingers are affected: the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), located closest to the finger nails and farthest from the main knuckles, and the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) located in the middle of the finger. As a result of the inflammation or injury, the tendons over the PIP are unable to secure the joint, thereby causing the PIP to become flexed, or bent, and the DIP to become extended, or hyperextended. There are two treatment methods, surgical and non-surgical. The surgical method surgically repairs the affected tendon. The non-surgical method uses a boutonniere splint and physical therapy.

Things You'll Need

• tape (medical, electric or masking, not scotch)
• popsicle stick (two pieces, broken or cut according to your finger size)

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Instructions

• 1

  Recognize when a boutonniere splint is required because surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for the treatment of the boutonniere deformity. You must consult a physician, who will typically take an x-ray to make sure there are no broken bones and then recommend surgical or non-surgical treatment.

• 2

  Take one part of the popsicle stick and place it on the underside of the affected finger. Make sure it lays flat against the PIP joint. The DIP joint does not need to be included in the splint.

• 3

  Take the other part of the popsicle stick and place it on the upper surface of the affected finger. Once again, make sure it lays flat against the PIP.

• 4

  Wrap the medical tape carefully around the popsicle sticks and your finger. The tape should be wrapped perpendicular to the popsicle sticks.

• 5

  Exercise the free DIP joint to prevent stiffness.

• 6

  Maintain the splint for 6 weeks or until the joint has healed and follow-up with your physician.