Hand Biomechanics Lab Digit Widget User manual

MP Flexion Strap
Patient Information
Label P/N 320500M
Digit Widget and the hand/arc logo are registered
trademarks of Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc. © 2001-2015
WARNING: The Elastic Bands in this product
contain natural rubber latex that may cause
allergic reactions.
Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc.
77 Scripps Drive, Suite 104
Sacramento, CA 95825
[phone]
www.handbiolab.com
Attention Surgeon:
Please give this information to your patient.
Digit Widget
External Fixation System
®
Maintenance
1. Replace the Elastic Band(s) daily. Always follow your
surgeon or therapist’s instructions regarding the number and
color of bands to use and the time worn each day. You may
nd that using the included Band Applicator Tool makes it
easier to change the bands.
2. Follow the advice of your surgeon to care for the pin sites.
3. Your surgeon can order replacement Cuffs from Hand
Biomechanics Lab.
4. The sliding action of the Connector Assembly may become
compromised due to exposure to foreign substances during
the course of daily activity. If you experience problems,
you may need to disconnect the Connector Assembly as
described in the “Removal for Hand Washing” instructions
and wash it in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly, air dry,
and reassemble the device. After washing, the Connector
Assembly should slide freely on the rod. Do NOT apply oil
to the rod inside the Connector Assembly.
5. If you develop a rash or skin irritation under the Cuff, a
cotton stockinet may be worn under the Cuff.
6. Do not hesitate to call us if you need more Elastic Bands.
Band Applicator Tool
Controlling MP Hyperextension
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Some patients with PIP exion contractures may also hyperextend
at the knuckle (MP) joint. When the MP joint goes backwards
(Fig. 12), some of the extension force at the PIP joint is lost. To
control MP hyperextension, an MP Flexion Strap is included. Use
this strap only on the direction of your surgeon or hand therapist.
If directed to use the MP Flexion Strap, place the padded side
over the top of the involved nger as shown (Figs. 13 and 14).
Bend the MP joint as you securely attach the hook and loop
straps to the palm side of the Cuff placing the pad over the top of
the nger. The straps and pad may be trimmed as needed.
MP hyperextending
MP Flexion Strap

Digit Widget® Patient Information
Introduction
The Digit Widget uses the force of Elastic Bands to help straighten
a stiff, bent nger joint. It is important the device is adjusted and
maintained according to your surgeon’s recommendations. This
information card will give you a brief overview of how this can be
accomplished.
Your surgeon will determine the number and strength of Elastic
Bands that are appropriate in your situation. In general, the reversal
of a stiff, bent joint can take a signicant amount of time. The goal
is to apply enough force to encourage the nger tissues to gradually
lengthen, allowing the nger to straighten. This force should not be
so high as to cause undue discomfort, swelling or stiffness. Alert
your surgeon or therapist if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Removal for Hand Washing
Consult your surgeon/therapist to see if it is appropriate for you to
remove the device for hand washing.
1. Remove the Elastic Band(s). Note the quantity and color for
replacement.
2. Pull the Hook and Loop Tab off the Cuff on the back of your
hand.
3. Rotate the Connector Assembly by lifting the wrist end up
away from the hand until it snaps off the Pin Block at the
Pivot. Support the Pin Block to prevent the unsnapping force
from being felt at the bone pins (Fig. 2).
4. Remove the Cuff.
An alternative method using only one hand: Leaving the
Hook and Loop Tab in place, take a coin and insert it in the
space between the Pin Block and Connector Assembly from
the side as shown (Fig. 3). Turn the coin as you would rotate a
key to force the two pieces apart. The coin technique will only
work on the side of the Pin Block that has the printed words
“Digit Widget.” Proceed with steps 2 and 4.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Hook and
Loop Tab
Cuff
Connector
Assembly
Elastic
Band
Pivot
From the side, insert
a coin between the
Pin Block and the
Connector Assembly
then twist.
Reinstallation
1. Position the unwrapped Cuff on the hand as shown (Fig. 4) with
the smoother side against the skin. Wrap the nger strap across
the palm and attach near the wrist. Position the Cuff’s forward
edge parallel to the base of the ngers (Fig. 5).
2. Wrap the wrist strap across the palm and attach starting near
the base of the small nger and continuing toward the space
between thumb and nger (Fig. 6). Properly secured straps
should form an X or V pattern when viewed from the back of the
hand (Fig. 7). Snug the Cuff enough to prevent movement on the
hand but not so tight as to cause discomfort or nger swelling.
3. While supporting the Pin Block, snap the Connector Assembly
onto the Pivot (Fig. 8).
4. Reattach the Hook and Loop Tab to the Cuff directly over the
involved nger (Fig. 9).
5. Attach new Elastic Band(s) of the same color and quantity you
removed (Fig. 10).
6. If the Hook and Loop Tab is lifting the Cuff up away from the
hand, the tab may be placed onto the Cuff rst and the wrist
strap wrapped on top of it (Fig. 11).
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
wrist strap
finger strap
Fig. 6 wrist strap
Fig. 9
Pin
Block
Fig. 3
Coin
Fig. 8
Hook &
Loop Tab
wrist strap
Fig. 7
wrist strap
Fig. 11Fig. 10