Step-by-Step application of ClikStrips to a low-temperature thermoplastic splint
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1. Once the splint base is
fabricated, mark the desired placement for the lockclip. Brush solvent
on the splint base in this area to insure a permanent bond.
Dry heat the small square of 1/16 Reveals QuickBond
and the marked area on the splint. Firmly adhere the small square
to the splint base.
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2. Immediately put one drop
of liquid adhesive onto the flat bottom footprint of the lockclip.
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3. Work quickly, so the
heated Reveals square
is still transparent, and press the lockclip firmly into position. Hold
in place for 30 seconds. It is crucial that you use 1/16 thick
material--a thicker thermoplastic will interfere with the sliding
mechanism of the ClikStrips.
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4. Attach outrigger or
line guide to splint base. In this
example, an S shaped outrigger fabricated from Reveals Tubes
is attached to the splint. The
outrigger is designed with two hinges and two holes, allowing almost full
arc of motion without ever needing readjustment!
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5. The ClikStrips strip
is cut to size, a hole punched at the distal end (with smallest sized
punch), then slipped through lockclip for 3 audible clicks.
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6. One end of a 4 inch
length of 25lb test monofilament is guided through the punched hole in the
strip.
Both ends of the monofilament are passed through a hole in the outrigger. A line connector is slid over both lines and compressed with a crimp tool. |
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7. The monofilament will then be neatly attached to both the ClikStrips Strip and the outrigger. |
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8. A Fabriplast fingersling
is trimmed to size, heated and formed around the dorsum of the phalanx.
With the second smallest punch, make holes at either end of the finger
sling. A 6 inch length of 10lb
monofilament is folded in half and then slipped through one of the punched
holes.
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9. The 2 free ends are
weaved through and tightened.
Repeat the same process on the other side of the fingersling.
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10. The 4 monofilament
ends from the finger slings are passed over and through the distal
punched hole (smallest punch). A line connector is passed over the
4 grouped ends and firmly compressed with a crimp tool.
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| 11. The ClikStrips Strip is gently pulled from the un-ridged proximal end one click at a time until end-range is determined. |
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| 12. The ClikStrips strip pulls the hinged outrigger proximally which in turn places the isometric tension (or hold) unto the phalanx. The distal hinge of the outrigger allows an almost constant 90 degree angle of pull relative to the (improving) arc of phalangeal flexion. |
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