tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347355357028573952024-03-13T08:34:38.646-07:00DIP Joint / Mallet Finger Splint PrototypingTHIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
I recommend starting at the last (oldest) Post and reading forward.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-11123927654003821812015-10-05T16:14:00.000-07:002015-10-05T16:14:02.195-07:00Jump to the startBlogger only shows posts in reverse chronological order. I recommend jumping to the <a href="http://mallet-splint.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-05-24T15:20:00-07:00&max-results=7&start=14&by-date=false">first post</a> and moving forward in time.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-73161697207140222182011-08-19T18:06:00.000-07:002011-08-19T18:06:17.352-07:00Splint patient #2 updateHere are some photos from patient #2's splints. This one was fitted on July 18th and stayed on for 4 weeks without reapplying any nail glue. It did recently come off while in the shower.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZOjdt9wF_I/Tk8FG6boP-I/AAAAAAAAmWg/YeZvIzOGz8Y/s1600/IMG00068-20110817-1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZOjdt9wF_I/Tk8FG6boP-I/AAAAAAAAmWg/YeZvIzOGz8Y/s320/IMG00068-20110817-1041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuaz6M176Bw/Tk8FihRxM6I/AAAAAAAAmWo/8-UeMhxBIds/s1600/IMG00070-20110817-1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tuaz6M176Bw/Tk8FihRxM6I/AAAAAAAAmWo/8-UeMhxBIds/s320/IMG00070-20110817-1041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This individual doesn't have mallet finger, but does need keep her finger straight for post surgery healing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-74936949128428116042011-08-19T17:57:00.001-07:002011-08-19T17:58:02.338-07:00Another finger bend update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T75O5Yv5S1Y/Tk8EDX25RfI/AAAAAAAAmWc/FFJ3usaFIjE/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T75O5Yv5S1Y/Tk8EDX25RfI/AAAAAAAAmWc/FFJ3usaFIjE/s320/IMG_1324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Seems to be about 40degrees. Feels significantly less stiff.<br />
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Exciting, isn't it.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-41155325641449176052011-08-07T21:23:00.000-07:002011-08-08T00:50:00.154-07:00Finger bend update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qxZ2fs3McQ/Tj-UkkFWZZI/AAAAAAAAmRg/lnMgu6Q7rLE/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qxZ2fs3McQ/Tj-UkkFWZZI/AAAAAAAAmRg/lnMgu6Q7rLE/s320/IMG_1260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Appears to be around 35 degrees.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-11645284895948343892011-08-04T15:31:00.000-07:002011-08-04T15:31:47.948-07:00Finger bend updateJust a quick update to track how far my finger can bend over time. 30 Degrees today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvCtpswjkxw/TjsdXN6ztHI/AAAAAAAAmRA/rramitE50ok/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PvCtpswjkxw/TjsdXN6ztHI/AAAAAAAAmRA/rramitE50ok/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Still wearing and old splint at night when I sleep (taping to fingertip instead of glue).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-75224081466004965982011-08-01T12:41:00.000-07:002011-08-01T12:41:27.901-07:00Removing splints - 96 days (approx 13 weeks)I had a few set backs in the first couple weeks of wearing the splint. Mostly around moving my finger while trying to make new splints, but I did have one catastrophic splint failure where the fingernail popped off during an exercise workout (May 12th) and I felt my finger bend too far. This was back before I figured how to hook the splint over the nail and to avoid getting oils on the glued area.<br />
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So, I figure total healing time puts me at 11 weeks.<br />
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DIP joint is stiff and I can clearly feel tension when I flex that joint beyond 20 degrees, so I'm taking it easy and wearing a splint at night. However, instead of gluing the splint, I'm just taping both ends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfnTAobc2Ok/Tjb22uP7-rI/AAAAAAAAmPk/3wJJe4KLedY/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HfnTAobc2Ok/Tjb22uP7-rI/AAAAAAAAmPk/3wJJe4KLedY/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Here's the condition of my finger after removing the flexible splint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrJM2jTKVpU/TjbwUCoaQhI/AAAAAAAAmMg/iRfrPzBKU4Q/s1600/IMG_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrJM2jTKVpU/TjbwUCoaQhI/AAAAAAAAmMg/iRfrPzBKU4Q/s320/IMG_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Slightly swollen still. Fingernail has ridges.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ECzmc3q-c/TjbwUozjJ1I/AAAAAAAAmMk/6hRegWER5Ac/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4ECzmc3q-c/TjbwUozjJ1I/AAAAAAAAmMk/6hRegWER5Ac/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_s2TmHMWXPU/TjbwWeOfWlI/AAAAAAAAmMo/ryLVKAVR6pg/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_s2TmHMWXPU/TjbwWeOfWlI/AAAAAAAAmMo/ryLVKAVR6pg/s320/IMG_1220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to show ridges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't think any of this is unusual and I'm pretty sure my nail would look find if I went to a salon and got a manicure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-78INCBdlNPv225Pjvj4UfDX3h6MFmcjhW-gRLprvyxfmv8ZA2UdrAJLNRAZ3nxUxTIyuUhSN4ANMEtihhWrwRioUDsZIRN99OXz7xXXl6fwaX4oUV2PevksiI4IhlndfZsax3XnlVvs/s1600/bendfinger5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-78INCBdlNPv225Pjvj4UfDX3h6MFmcjhW-gRLprvyxfmv8ZA2UdrAJLNRAZ3nxUxTIyuUhSN4ANMEtihhWrwRioUDsZIRN99OXz7xXXl6fwaX4oUV2PevksiI4IhlndfZsax3XnlVvs/s1600/bendfinger5.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing range of movement for finger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One side bonus of wearing a splint, I've trained myself to not bend that finger too much.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4gA7mKY53bS0G4PTjCV6_lhn9MSQ1gP_poMDrOhIphzWcRkKcJlMnQ9TJY5ywB0rQxRPfkg6cXI8GYAkCkAWgdsgaDFykKvaKohi1mSjO6jlbYE9DWH-RBlozt1Xgl3b9rbLxOcEWCEB/s1600/bend-splint-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4gA7mKY53bS0G4PTjCV6_lhn9MSQ1gP_poMDrOhIphzWcRkKcJlMnQ9TJY5ywB0rQxRPfkg6cXI8GYAkCkAWgdsgaDFykKvaKohi1mSjO6jlbYE9DWH-RBlozt1Xgl3b9rbLxOcEWCEB/s1600/bend-splint-6.gif" /></a></div> I'm super happy with the latest splint design with the tubing used at the fingertip. I think it should become part of the standard design. Only problem is I used some thick walled tubing I bought years ago and I don't remember the source.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA7-4M4EDuiYDiPe_nmCXN4mzcLKlxfSSuZJ_6thU151BIanDxw1xbJAy5wEV8NglXMzMoNXJ18NBQZQvqeqrP8WD4DXRLBV2USe9CF0NfncFxni9SDZrgYKfa6qVCf_sDH2luz3gGed/s1600/bend-splint-7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA7-4M4EDuiYDiPe_nmCXN4mzcLKlxfSSuZJ_6thU151BIanDxw1xbJAy5wEV8NglXMzMoNXJ18NBQZQvqeqrP8WD4DXRLBV2USe9CF0NfncFxni9SDZrgYKfa6qVCf_sDH2luz3gGed/s1600/bend-splint-7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA7-4M4EDuiYDiPe_nmCXN4mzcLKlxfSSuZJ_6thU151BIanDxw1xbJAy5wEV8NglXMzMoNXJ18NBQZQvqeqrP8WD4DXRLBV2USe9CF0NfncFxni9SDZrgYKfa6qVCf_sDH2luz3gGed/s1600/bend-splint-7.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA7-4M4EDuiYDiPe_nmCXN4mzcLKlxfSSuZJ_6thU151BIanDxw1xbJAy5wEV8NglXMzMoNXJ18NBQZQvqeqrP8WD4DXRLBV2USe9CF0NfncFxni9SDZrgYKfa6qVCf_sDH2luz3gGed/s1600/bend-splint-7.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A lot of flex can be absorbed by the tubing.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Getting the correct tubing is <b style="font-style: italic;">key.</b> Thermal plastic will not bond to every type of silicon/vinyl tubing out there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h4>Condition of the last prototype</h4><div style="text-align: left;">I did remove some plastic that covered the silicon tubing to allow more range of motion. I used a razor and a warm coffee cup to smooth it out.</div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DPWKFPNgag/Tjb2_zFk0UI/AAAAAAAAmPE/Fa5xMj8FnYM/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0DPWKFPNgag/Tjb2_zFk0UI/AAAAAAAAmPE/Fa5xMj8FnYM/s320/IMG_1236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of flexible part</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzY6FTIjEh4/Tjb3BeR3jBI/AAAAAAAAmPQ/rXw4oJ1YVaU/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzY6FTIjEh4/Tjb3BeR3jBI/AAAAAAAAmPQ/rXw4oJ1YVaU/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip still has superglue on bottom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2mZ1I6VnsU/Tjb3CIMnF-I/AAAAAAAAmPU/Nc9HUoqr4q0/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2mZ1I6VnsU/Tjb3CIMnF-I/AAAAAAAAmPU/Nc9HUoqr4q0/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thermal plastic stayed smooth and comfortable near PIP joint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<h4>Next</h4><div style="text-align: left;">Next step is to purchase a bunch of different types of tubing and test how thermal plastic behaves with it.</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-68496261238596037462011-07-23T18:15:00.000-07:002011-07-23T18:17:11.778-07:00Flexible splints - v16 and v17<h3>Two failed experiments</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first experiment used a flexible piece of tubing as the proximal strip used to hold the splint against the knuckle. It was very uncomfortable compared to thermalplastic. The edges were the main problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJUsIyGNY0o/TipxxgstoRI/AAAAAAAAmFA/8G3d_peWXD8/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJUsIyGNY0o/TipxxgstoRI/AAAAAAAAmFA/8G3d_peWXD8/s320/IMG_1160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V16 - Soft tubing used near the PIP Joint (knuckle) wasn't comfortable</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHxllxPDtPA/TipxykClKuI/AAAAAAAAmFE/atlnI5kmGlE/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHxllxPDtPA/TipxykClKuI/AAAAAAAAmFE/atlnI5kmGlE/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V16 Bottom view. You can see where the flexible 'joint' is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>It didn't matter because it didn't stay on very long. The fingernail glue came off quickly. I think it partly had to do with eating popcorn at the movies! I didn't think about it at the time; however, eating popcorn, corn-on-the-cob, even french fries maybe have too much grease that could dissolve the nail glue.</div><div><br />
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</div><h3>Second attempt<br />
</h3><div>I switched back to the thermalplastic PIP joint band and focused on the flexibility of the wishbone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SPJgVS5ZcI/Tipx0Bofh-I/AAAAAAAAmFM/QKe9i7C7KIg/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SPJgVS5ZcI/Tipx0Bofh-I/AAAAAAAAmFM/QKe9i7C7KIg/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V17 - Nothing too special. Single flexible section in wishbone. Nail glue failed too quickly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It didn't hold. I realized the problem is caused by the flexibility of the wishbone. It was causing the head to torque and come loose from the nail.<br />
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Solution was to add a piece of flexible tubing between the nail and the splint.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3aPDARUlrOI/Tipx37Fp3ZI/AAAAAAAAmFg/E2skBgFzD40/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3aPDARUlrOI/Tipx37Fp3ZI/AAAAAAAAmFg/E2skBgFzD40/s320/IMG_1168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">v17 - small section of tubing against nail to allow some movement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The nail glue was applied to tubing and it held very well. Next, the thermalplastic was heated as normal and direct heat was applied to the tubing on the nail by touching it to the metal shield of the heat gun. With both hot, they stuck without any issue. Then a thin piece of plastic was pulled over the end to hook on the fingernail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HJNChyphenhyphen9GH4VrI58RaMrlYmexbPgcY3W_gkOBTIjRmVfeh3LZjegZX_8iAMJ8KG2Aje6JnziRsuLZ7JhK98pKkqu2sxNKRNYh5paatK6reZfkhVVFX0xY4l7vvoxQ8yLlTzLJYsQ4vrwS/s1600/v17-movement.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HJNChyphenhyphen9GH4VrI58RaMrlYmexbPgcY3W_gkOBTIjRmVfeh3LZjegZX_8iAMJ8KG2Aje6JnziRsuLZ7JhK98pKkqu2sxNKRNYh5paatK6reZfkhVVFX0xY4l7vvoxQ8yLlTzLJYsQ4vrwS/s1600/v17-movement.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V17 with two flex points. The middle of the wishbone and the fingernal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been wearing this version for 24 hrs and it's holding great. Very comfortable.<br />
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I'm wondering if a thinner piece of tubing could be used in non-flexing splints just to get a better hold. If the plastic is too rigid, then all the torque could be causing the nail glue to fail. Distributing some of this energy into the tubing could make the nail end hold butter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-45733525074676864062011-07-21T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-21T13:51:18.547-07:00V16 - more flexiblityV16 is lower profile and more flexibility. My goal here is to slowly re-introduce movement to my healed tendon and DIP joint.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKg0CJc5DYg/TiiNWDtujXI/AAAAAAAAmDk/rvCAX1A0FbE/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKg0CJc5DYg/TiiNWDtujXI/AAAAAAAAmDk/rvCAX1A0FbE/s320/IMG_1153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V16 uses a silicon (vinyl) tube for PIP joint area. <br />
Pieces of tube in wishbone to add some flexibility.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Old V15 removal. It was holding up just fine, but I really wanted to experiment with all the new silicon and vinyl tubing I've been ordering.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgn_qDObwaA/TiiNOGKct7I/AAAAAAAAmDA/ATAt75R5Pfk/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgn_qDObwaA/TiiNOGKct7I/AAAAAAAAmDA/ATAt75R5Pfk/s320/IMG_1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing v15 before cleanup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsIf1YQWlXM/TiiNQxEHzQI/AAAAAAAAmDM/Qj61lBlxdkA/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsIf1YQWlXM/TiiNQxEHzQI/AAAAAAAAmDM/Qj61lBlxdkA/s320/IMG_1147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Condition of finger nail after cleanup.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsWV4C3nkA/TiiNTZ0sT1I/AAAAAAAAmDY/erPPfLB2ssM/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFsWV4C3nkA/TiiNTZ0sT1I/AAAAAAAAmDY/erPPfLB2ssM/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condition of finger after removing v15. Finger with longer nail is one that had splint.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-52965992621305119022011-07-19T11:59:00.000-07:002011-07-21T13:34:29.077-07:00Flexible splint designs - v15Since I'm at week 11, I need to introduce some limited movement to the DIP joint. I'm doing this by introducing small sections of flexible silicon into the armature.<br />
<br />
Here's an annoying animated gif of the action.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOg49zs1fC0d3N-73Cj7M7SDJXsH8m3jd32P_r5XbdjQ2gDjsSZfytRt0Qf-8HRW-SP4DpYkUnMZQVbXnRiCv6XYDFBvIxmiVHXlZw6OOGn0ZuGy7aqRtRE5hZCfk5ge5D3wA2WvBnfpU/s1600/bendable-splint-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOg49zs1fC0d3N-73Cj7M7SDJXsH8m3jd32P_r5XbdjQ2gDjsSZfytRt0Qf-8HRW-SP4DpYkUnMZQVbXnRiCv6XYDFBvIxmiVHXlZw6OOGn0ZuGy7aqRtRE5hZCfk5ge5D3wA2WvBnfpU/s1600/bendable-splint-3.gif" /></a></div><br />
A previous post shows the close-up of this splint:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqnRNMSu0rsMSWA8p76Bgy-Yia3CpQoDylOjW1BeiGP1vf4vEtxDWMxNCnqi4LdDvrb-YXDsrs6VUm_B4s6-P0jYXpRPyktpaPhCLIaEtetRXBeNDh1mm9_Rsf0s46bi09kxTJvzGg4CW/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqnRNMSu0rsMSWA8p76Bgy-Yia3CpQoDylOjW1BeiGP1vf4vEtxDWMxNCnqi4LdDvrb-YXDsrs6VUm_B4s6-P0jYXpRPyktpaPhCLIaEtetRXBeNDh1mm9_Rsf0s46bi09kxTJvzGg4CW/s320/IMG_1125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'll tweak the splint over the next few days and weeks to increase range of motion and ease the tendon back into flexibility. Typical approach is to just remove the splint and wear it only at night; however, this seems a little extreme.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-46923427645985286532011-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:002011-08-07T16:00:23.590-07:00Patient #2 successfulI served as an adviser for the fitting of a mallet splint on someone yesterday.<br />
<br />
Instead of my 11 week check-up. I visited the doctor's office and helped install one of my splint designs on a patient who was frustrated by the traditional splint.<br />
<br />
Understandably, he seemed a little hesitant at first; however, after watching me (since I was wearing one), he became less concerned.<br />
<br />
I was so focused on helping with the splint, I forgot to get photos. I'll try to get some and post here.<br />
<br />
[edit: got photos from Kevin. Thanks!]<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6S8ubdtd0E8/TiYfRtOKvRI/AAAAAAAAmBE/yKEtwLwxi4s/s1600/IMAG0271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6S8ubdtd0E8/TiYfRtOKvRI/AAAAAAAAmBE/yKEtwLwxi4s/s320/IMAG0271.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin's splint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IhqVH2tMgwk/TiYfSJ35vgI/AAAAAAAAmBI/h49s4xbm5y8/s1600/IMAG0272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IhqVH2tMgwk/TiYfSJ35vgI/AAAAAAAAmBI/h49s4xbm5y8/s320/IMAG0272.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin's splint. Top view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4x05TK-BrBY/TiYfSthTFcI/AAAAAAAAmBA/yEM2xjhnUgs/s1600/IMAG0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4x05TK-BrBY/TiYfSthTFcI/AAAAAAAAmBA/yEM2xjhnUgs/s320/IMAG0273.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin's splint. 45 degree view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
[Looks like he's switched to using a band-aid instead of the wound closure strips. It might be easier in the early days of the splint to use something stronger until the wearer gets used to not trying to bend the finger.]<br />
<br />
<h3>Supporting documents</h3>I created some documents to hand out with the splint. They are ok, but my friend Erin who's in the pharma space says all handout ('tear-aways') need to be written for a 6th grade level.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/lYrFM">How to care for your mallet-finger splint</a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>It was a little strange fitting the splint on someone else. I've gotten used to the tactile feedback of crafting it on my own hand.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One thing the doctor's splint specialist had was a pre-heated pan of water that was exactly at softening temperature for the thermal plastic.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I also watched her fit a custom splint on a different patient using large thermal plastic sheets riveted with tiny holes. Here's a small sample she gave me.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7mVeg4f9-yqUUZCI3rX4rpAULZBU6jb1vP7066xSZZfKVQmTSlSd13Y144sJiemBO7n0xvZuJ7bhyqvGZHm39RyepUdHVjZ9I-VBeVekXGq7lTkM5h4GbD2vUBxufScHQJpKU9DyXy52/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7mVeg4f9-yqUUZCI3rX4rpAULZBU6jb1vP7066xSZZfKVQmTSlSd13Y144sJiemBO7n0xvZuJ7bhyqvGZHm39RyepUdHVjZ9I-VBeVekXGq7lTkM5h4GbD2vUBxufScHQJpKU9DyXy52/s320/IMG_1139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-49300774440970899032011-07-17T21:09:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:17:46.885-07:00Semi-flexible splints - Week 11Since I'm at week 11, it's time to start allowing the tendon to stretch.<br />
<br />
Version 14 has some notches to allow some flexing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpBY1m2646I/TiOr667ESNI/AAAAAAAAls0/9zbdeLygXTA/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpBY1m2646I/TiOr667ESNI/AAAAAAAAls0/9zbdeLygXTA/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added some notches to allow splint to flex.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXhlsdulUHo/TiOr8JI-9uI/AAAAAAAAls8/XGvnjbPnuN8/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXhlsdulUHo/TiOr8JI-9uI/AAAAAAAAls8/XGvnjbPnuN8/s320/IMG_1113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7uyy8ifV3U/TiOr8zjTsaI/AAAAAAAAltA/_Kw-9yBbyYw/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7uyy8ifV3U/TiOr8zjTsaI/AAAAAAAAltA/_Kw-9yBbyYw/s320/IMG_1114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UK00MPfdFmM/TiOr9V94MGI/AAAAAAAAltE/oEabdRRUvw0/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UK00MPfdFmM/TiOr9V94MGI/AAAAAAAAltE/oEabdRRUvw0/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L93vv-4_VkU/Ticbe_fNYdI/AAAAAAAAmBY/-N6rBOyoJPY/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L93vv-4_VkU/Ticbe_fNYdI/AAAAAAAAmBY/-N6rBOyoJPY/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condition of finger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h3>Prototyping alternate joints</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PF4faTbx8/TiOr95jDMzI/AAAAAAAAltI/f4reL3-WHHs/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_PF4faTbx8/TiOr95jDMzI/AAAAAAAAltI/f4reL3-WHHs/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silicon wedges sandwiched between plastic </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSVCTPhF1dI/TiOr_B2fpsI/AAAAAAAAltQ/h2kMaGgwJWo/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSVCTPhF1dI/TiOr_B2fpsI/AAAAAAAAltQ/h2kMaGgwJWo/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single silicon wedge (but thicker).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOdwG7kojLt79HyC8OZsAKXNlaNJ9wmYKGYDi-YHo9F71bgblZqlQNcig1aJIW8w2NJfQGQLjJn8gFPY9RsWvU0kfwBanMFqlqSxTzZz2EhPAmvII_6vxG8j-zp57peGbS0KTqAIzLbD7/s1600/splint-prototype2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOdwG7kojLt79HyC8OZsAKXNlaNJ9wmYKGYDi-YHo9F71bgblZqlQNcig1aJIW8w2NJfQGQLjJn8gFPY9RsWvU0kfwBanMFqlqSxTzZz2EhPAmvII_6vxG8j-zp57peGbS0KTqAIzLbD7/s1600/splint-prototype2.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animated Gif showing movement of silicon joint</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-62824379748994561092011-07-14T02:12:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:06:42.302-07:00v13 removal - 77 daysI want to work on a tutorial for making splints from scratch, so I created a v14 and removed v13.<br />
<br />
Version 13 with the vinyl tubing was working great even after 22 days. Comfortable and stable. The tip did come loose twice and I replaced it with fresh thermal plastic and reapplied. (You can see the white tip on the splint.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rvdGcnYU8/Th6szogYbzI/AAAAAAAAlk8/va-GY8IrdtE/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rvdGcnYU8/Th6szogYbzI/AAAAAAAAlk8/va-GY8IrdtE/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Removing v13</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPmH9wkph-M/Th6s0jH2ZQI/AAAAAAAAllA/esa-k7Oa_yU/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPmH9wkph-M/Th6s0jH2ZQI/AAAAAAAAllA/esa-k7Oa_yU/s320/IMG_0971.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condition of finger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BteTnGCb0Sc/Th6uetcdHvI/AAAAAAAAllc/I9YYP_WKL7I/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BteTnGCb0Sc/Th6uetcdHvI/AAAAAAAAllc/I9YYP_WKL7I/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underside, vinyl tubing still smooth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS4Q5Iz0fxU/Th6uY0PT3CI/AAAAAAAAllI/c98_riAgQDM/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS4Q5Iz0fxU/Th6uY0PT3CI/AAAAAAAAllI/c98_riAgQDM/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> You can see the vinyl tubing has held up better than the thermal plastic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9cuXNpRcoE/Th6uZ80MKdI/AAAAAAAAllM/ELQ8bo-hwP4/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9cuXNpRcoE/Th6uZ80MKdI/AAAAAAAAllM/ELQ8bo-hwP4/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The white tip is from a repair job I did a couple of days ago when the superglue started to weaken.<br />
<br />
The solution is to remove the splint using nail polish remover. Then, heat the tip and use a razor blade to cut away glue. Since the plastic become soft and semi-transparent when heated and the glue does not, it is trivial to cut off.<br />
<br />
After removing glue, a small amount of new thermal plastic was added to the tip and reapplied.<br />
<br />
I did use a nail glue designed for fake fingernails instead of superglue. It seemed to hold better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-57334340836462287962011-06-25T12:26:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:06:04.486-07:00v13 Update - 58 DaysVersion 13 (with the vinyl tubing integration) is working well. It does need a bit more thermal plastic to increase rigidity and I added some more plastic at the proximal end get it closer to the knuckle.<br />
<br />
I was thinking more about this design approach and realize it has some very clear advantages:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Easier to shape against finger.<br />
The vinyl doesn't stick to finger and holds the plastic in place better.<br />
</li>
<li>Cleaner look.<br />
Tubing keeps edges straight and the overall look is much neater.<br />
</li>
<li>Prepped materials for quicker install.<br />
The plastic can be pre-inserted into tubing that is too long and when the patient comes in for a visit, a doctor can cut them to the correct length, reheat and fit in < 10 minutes. </li>
</ul><div>I've got some materials prepared for my doctor to try out on other mallet finger patients.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-37832984642834642452011-06-22T11:33:00.000-07:002011-06-22T11:33:09.539-07:00v13 - Vinyl tubing experimentI've been using rubber tubing to shape the thermalplastic because the plastic doesn't stick to the rubber. I tried vinyl tubing, but the that material instantly bonded to the plastic.<br />
<br />
Then I got the "bright idea" that I could just use the soft vinyl as part of the splint. (I'm being a bit sarcastic with bright idea since it seems kind of obvious now).<br />
<br />
I created a tool to split the vinyl tubing laterally down the center. Then added colored thermalplastic to the inside of the half-tube. Shaping was *much* easier.<br />
<br />
Here are the results:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNTZ83ZAmlU/TgIxlR0Ms-I/AAAAAAAAk1k/_FmFXO0XiGk/s1600/IMG_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNTZ83ZAmlU/TgIxlR0Ms-I/AAAAAAAAk1k/_FmFXO0XiGk/s320/IMG_0820.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splint with sample of vinyl tubing used.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIiPDXwfU5U/TgIxl4ArqxI/AAAAAAAAk1s/kv9qSDiUyVI/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIiPDXwfU5U/TgIxl4ArqxI/AAAAAAAAk1s/kv9qSDiUyVI/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of splint. Vinyl tubing visible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rManbKokp4g/TgIxpUPolqI/AAAAAAAAk2Q/DzOiQpyEKCs/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rManbKokp4g/TgIxpUPolqI/AAAAAAAAk2Q/DzOiQpyEKCs/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished splint mounted. I think it's a little too short.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyJM0wIO57E/TgIxr0wVBPI/AAAAAAAAk24/wsAwFLsr9-g/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JyJM0wIO57E/TgIxr0wVBPI/AAAAAAAAk24/wsAwFLsr9-g/s320/IMG_0830.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoNuYi0WaCo/TgIxsYat4EI/AAAAAAAAk3A/Y1zzJgBx8mg/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoNuYi0WaCo/TgIxsYat4EI/AAAAAAAAk3A/Y1zzJgBx8mg/s320/IMG_0831.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of side with finger arced back. (used when drying under splint)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_tpzVhEaXk/TgIxsyqXYSI/AAAAAAAAk3I/LqakL3I4WOE/s1600/IMG_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_tpzVhEaXk/TgIxsyqXYSI/AAAAAAAAk3I/LqakL3I4WOE/s320/IMG_0832.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view with finger bent. No movement, but proximal side of splint should extend closer to MCP joint.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Condition of the finger after removing splint v12</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR3kfs4PwP8/TgIxn_3cAII/AAAAAAAAk18/N4eNewQjOH4/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR3kfs4PwP8/TgIxn_3cAII/AAAAAAAAk18/N4eNewQjOH4/s320/IMG_0823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V12 was touching the skin. You can see indents where.</td></tr>
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</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sa5ojYSmXE/TgIxmaR9pNI/AAAAAAAAk10/0WDEfxr1dZU/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sa5ojYSmXE/TgIxmaR9pNI/AAAAAAAAk10/0WDEfxr1dZU/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of finger after v12</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR3kfs4PwP8/TgIxn_3cAII/AAAAAAAAk18/N4eNewQjOH4/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qR3kfs4PwP8/TgIxn_3cAII/AAAAAAAAk18/N4eNewQjOH4/s1600/IMG_0823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-76015532291270183962011-06-20T19:39:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:05:30.384-07:00v12 and finger casts - 53 daysIn an attempt to make splint creation more "patient friendly". I've decided to create quick, plastic finger casts and do the splint creation based on that casting.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Using</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> a dental alginate and <a href="http://www.smooth-on.com/Smooth-Cast=-300/c1209/index.html">Smooth-Cast 300Q</a>, I can make a very solid, realistic cast in < 10 minutes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This allows me to heat the plastic while it's on the finger cast and change the angle while fitting the splint.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">The black from rubber tubing does rub off cast (as seen in the photos) and the 300Q does require a Mold Release coating, but it's working very well.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">This iteration of the splint, I attempt to make it very wide and didn't bother with coloring it. I feel like I understand how to make the splint a nice medical blue; however, it can be very messy if I'm not careful.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8U_HoVXNU/TgAAxRt3zgI/AAAAAAAAkyw/_FuvRfRd_-g/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8U_HoVXNU/TgAAxRt3zgI/AAAAAAAAkyw/_FuvRfRd_-g/s320/IMG_0810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLoIF92p3ew/TgAAyBIRJ_I/AAAAAAAAky4/4wQn_o9aads/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLoIF92p3ew/TgAAyBIRJ_I/AAAAAAAAky4/4wQn_o9aads/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnEWGTJ6uZs/TgAAynSXfQI/AAAAAAAAkzA/d1issm_FSVE/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnEWGTJ6uZs/TgAAynSXfQI/AAAAAAAAkzA/d1issm_FSVE/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWF87dYCmo/TgAAzKiyBVI/AAAAAAAAkzI/KkvpgEz0Yuk/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWF87dYCmo/TgAAzKiyBVI/AAAAAAAAkzI/KkvpgEz0Yuk/s320/IMG_0813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz59LHFLc_U/TgAA08jmVOI/AAAAAAAAkzY/kE4TMPn6-co/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz59LHFLc_U/TgAA08jmVOI/AAAAAAAAkzY/kE4TMPn6-co/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifting finger to show max gap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZhpuypEfhA/TgAA1s9dezI/AAAAAAAAkzg/W443O90rT00/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZhpuypEfhA/TgAA1s9dezI/AAAAAAAAkzg/W443O90rT00/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finger cast after splint formed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-10105591665971451372011-06-13T16:57:00.000-07:002011-06-13T16:59:19.877-07:00Doctor visit and v11Finger check-up went well. Doctor wants to wait another 4 weeks just to be sure.<br />
<br />
He also wants me to keep the finger straighter. This translates into a splint that doesn't have as much gap proximal to the fingernail and cuticle (aka the area just behind the nail).<br />
<br />
Had some great conversations with their therapist who makes custom splints. Hopefully, we can work together to improve splint designs. Left her some of my prototypes that use rare earth magnets as joints.<br />
<br />
<h3>Splint v11 creation</h3><br />
I've gotten very quick at making splints. But part of this is that I'm reusing previously colored plastic and pieces of cut/cleaned rubber tubing.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>1. Prep fingernail. Clean and remove old nail polish. If the nail is not clean, thermal plastic will stick and make shaping <i>very</i> difficult.<br />
<br />
2. Secure bottom part of finger with temporary splint to hold it secure.</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD3vaKQ7a14/TfaUvky6gBI/AAAAAAAAkl0/THTRQkVWhR4/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD3vaKQ7a14/TfaUvky6gBI/AAAAAAAAkl0/THTRQkVWhR4/s320/IMG_0773.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2RX0bmv7M/TfaUytDAxXI/AAAAAAAAkmU/oDrBgN8Bbu0/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div><br />
3. Prep plastic and get > 200deg. Let cool a little bit. Overheating allows thorough mixing and a little bit longer work time. <b>WARNING</b>: it is very sticky and will burn at any temperature > 160deg.</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2RX0bmv7M/TfaUytDAxXI/AAAAAAAAkmU/oDrBgN8Bbu0/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X2RX0bmv7M/TfaUytDAxXI/AAAAAAAAkmU/oDrBgN8Bbu0/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjNBCSA7UiY/TfaVIQ2FjyI/AAAAAAAAkmc/7azJNbBsnDk/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjNBCSA7UiY/TfaVIQ2FjyI/AAAAAAAAkmc/7azJNbBsnDk/s320/IMG_0778.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>4. Roll into a thin rods.<br />
Note: I'm using a cheap, non-stick cookie sheet as a mat.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYi0eMBqnQ/TfaVJIZZ3SI/AAAAAAAAkmk/yeA4pk0aokE/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYi0eMBqnQ/TfaVJIZZ3SI/AAAAAAAAkmk/yeA4pk0aokE/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BmQiirzyeg/TfaVJ440XvI/AAAAAAAAkmw/qf01Mwr2Dhc/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BmQiirzyeg/TfaVJ440XvI/AAAAAAAAkmw/qf01Mwr2Dhc/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>5. Lay plastic into rubber armistice. This helps figure out how much plastic is needed. (See a different post on how to make the rubber armistice)</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20Ypn_YdD-I/TfaYNlV_MzI/AAAAAAAAkoc/eFAJAeKb2Jc/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20Ypn_YdD-I/TfaYNlV_MzI/AAAAAAAAkoc/eFAJAeKb2Jc/s320/IMG_0790.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBZ4k7Mp4YA/TfaYP0mOFkI/AAAAAAAAkos/Une19PBfiok/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBZ4k7Mp4YA/TfaYP0mOFkI/AAAAAAAAkos/Une19PBfiok/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o36aY3aHwUY/TfaYQPeHbNI/AAAAAAAAko0/baN6CYZPJPE/s1600/IMG_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o36aY3aHwUY/TfaYQPeHbNI/AAAAAAAAko0/baN6CYZPJPE/s320/IMG_0793.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--85eWUH5GNg/TfaVd3dGkdI/AAAAAAAAknM/xZuM2rMWlAY/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--85eWUH5GNg/TfaVd3dGkdI/AAAAAAAAknM/xZuM2rMWlAY/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>6. Let cool a little bit and place on finger. Spread rubber tubing near knuckle side to create a V shape.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wejfZK04_lI/TfaVeUwZhRI/AAAAAAAAknU/mWcRehNprEg/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wejfZK04_lI/TfaVeUwZhRI/AAAAAAAAknU/mWcRehNprEg/s320/IMG_0784.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
7. Take off finger. Let cool.<br />
<ol></ol></div><div>8. Coat fingernail with 2 applications of Matte Nail Strengthener. Let dry completely.</div><div><br />
</div><div>9. Heat head of splint slightly and apply to the fingernail. It will bond to the nail polish.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqr4Ec1iGuI/TfaVfMQJCZI/AAAAAAAAknk/tGlJLvVYylU/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fqr4Ec1iGuI/TfaVfMQJCZI/AAAAAAAAknk/tGlJLvVYylU/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>10. Remove temporary bottom splint and tape plastic splint using Wound Closure tape.</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9niD8O-QjQ/TfaVgHz-ALI/AAAAAAAAkn0/1hFY8omHs-0/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9niD8O-QjQ/TfaVgHz-ALI/AAAAAAAAkn0/1hFY8omHs-0/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvPbPkuwq4Q/TfaidYNc98I/AAAAAAAAkpI/MaJ1tksycA8/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvPbPkuwq4Q/TfaidYNc98I/AAAAAAAAkpI/MaJ1tksycA8/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
11. Apply another coat of Nail Strengthener to the nail and plastic boundary to seal it. You should re-apply more coats every couple of days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-10813885411777416142011-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:002011-06-12T18:32:47.222-07:00Resetting v10 splintI removed, cleaned and reset splint v10 yesterday. Here are the photos.<br />
<br />
Still some swelling around the DIP joint. I see a specialist on Monday for my 6 week checkup.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DWehaMiFBI/TfT_25e0yDI/AAAAAAAAkkk/xepCdhncFMM/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DWehaMiFBI/TfT_25e0yDI/AAAAAAAAkkk/xepCdhncFMM/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swelling around DIP joint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39sQ-0ejTD4/TfT_4pxfB0I/AAAAAAAAklA/N6qHXkV3uV0/s1600/IMG_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39sQ-0ejTD4/TfT_4pxfB0I/AAAAAAAAklA/N6qHXkV3uV0/s320/IMG_0767.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparing fingers on left and right hands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4P9sUdH-Zw/TfT_0odjxDI/AAAAAAAAkj8/LkJL7IAY7qs/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4P9sUdH-Zw/TfT_0odjxDI/AAAAAAAAkj8/LkJL7IAY7qs/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condition of v10 splint - bottom. Notice 6weeks of nail growth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El0wnz27ciA/TfT_1GVhROI/AAAAAAAAkkE/OwpP4Pz2YEs/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-El0wnz27ciA/TfT_1GVhROI/AAAAAAAAkkE/OwpP4Pz2YEs/s320/IMG_0760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">v1 splint - top</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I decided to clean off the splint's nail and re-apply v10. I narrowed the head's edges to leave some nail exposed on the sides and hooked the tip over the nail.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-41037487835999609452011-06-10T03:20:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:04:45.693-07:00June 9th - Six weeks (aka 42 days)<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">June 9th marks 6 weeks since I tore my tendon.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">Maintenance </span></div>I've had the current splint on since June 2nd (8 days+) and it's working out great.<br />
<br />
Seems like every 2-3 days, I need to apply more superglue and another layer of nail hardener. I think the next version should:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Hook over the end of the nail (distal). This makes the splint feel more secure.</li>
<li>Leave some nail exposed on sides and cuticle side. This would make it easier to re-apply layers of nail hardener. </li>
</ul><div>For nail hardener, I'm using <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="owb63p" style="color: #1111cc;"><a href="http://www.google.com/m/products/detail?source=zxing&q=619828378743&cid=10820065001716962199" style="color: #1111cc;">OPI Nail Envy Matte Strength .5 oz.</a> </span></span>(it has a matte finish, so it blends in well with the matte finish of the plastic).</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgoG_vXjlEVphProA1435vFynTS4RSCulD1GHz8sTmp5HgaPCkXpb8eL-XMeJWzI3ajFWYZPS7ZymRI61ORNUSnVMoCWkww6nXLMPjcgMoH7-rgIq_HWKrKu_MFu5aEnfFqsSdCFxLruv/s1600/IMG_20110609_135752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgoG_vXjlEVphProA1435vFynTS4RSCulD1GHz8sTmp5HgaPCkXpb8eL-XMeJWzI3ajFWYZPS7ZymRI61ORNUSnVMoCWkww6nXLMPjcgMoH7-rgIq_HWKrKu_MFu5aEnfFqsSdCFxLruv/s320/IMG_20110609_135752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnKJfPvUx3kg_JBWwlH1U48F9pPTcA1E_VfK2xOjqqM9dtGqDWDOiWGzZsudz0MwJEq2AEX41thQHczDmLzR0h8E1Ffua1cX-ih8sEBLFu_m1g18Mp-1um3dxahSFm16v-yvNXkAWNNLU/s1600/IMG_20110609_135808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnKJfPvUx3kg_JBWwlH1U48F9pPTcA1E_VfK2xOjqqM9dtGqDWDOiWGzZsudz0MwJEq2AEX41thQHczDmLzR0h8E1Ffua1cX-ih8sEBLFu_m1g18Mp-1um3dxahSFm16v-yvNXkAWNNLU/s320/IMG_20110609_135808.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcA7fJ68ef2JMfy9aU0m7p-mOZC2DmKXUGsVm-pfAHFu-eix8kn7zJ_cGsnnckFxRrGO1hEcf8HZHgApNZ_LrLYSsNrjJWp0LtQrRymzFka9WbfcrVq4zoLpyFKK3AM5PM6zqAnsggCbg/s1600/IMG_20110609_135914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcA7fJ68ef2JMfy9aU0m7p-mOZC2DmKXUGsVm-pfAHFu-eix8kn7zJ_cGsnnckFxRrGO1hEcf8HZHgApNZ_LrLYSsNrjJWp0LtQrRymzFka9WbfcrVq4zoLpyFKK3AM5PM6zqAnsggCbg/s320/IMG_20110609_135914.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-28753078804066278782011-06-02T22:19:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:03:01.763-07:00v10 Splint - 35 days<h3>Removing v9 splint</h3><br />
Removed v9 today. I've gotten pretty good at removing them from the nail. See my v8 post for steps.<br />
<br />
Some tricks:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Take your time.</li>
<li>Hold finger against thumb to keep it straight.</li>
<li>Alternate between olive oil on q-tip, dental pick and a little heat (110 degrees).</li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1ge5-j08kg/Teg9mk63p7I/AAAAAAAAkPs/AjmcuGtlZZw/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1ge5-j08kg/Teg9mk63p7I/AAAAAAAAkPs/AjmcuGtlZZw/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing v9 splint - Use opposition with thumb to hold finger straight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<h3>Condition of finger</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Skin on back of the DIP joint isn't looking so great. A bit of swelling caused by pressure on either side of the finger where the splint presses against the skin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmDbnebk274/Teg9n4TPSBI/AAAAAAAAkP8/wcJTYouy8ls/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmDbnebk274/Teg9n4TPSBI/AAAAAAAAkP8/wcJTYouy8ls/s320/IMG_0615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wrinkles are from removing the splint and washing hands</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hr1OXqJK9fw/Teg9r9BxlOI/AAAAAAAAkRU/QpHdpVLeJXs/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hr1OXqJK9fw/Teg9r9BxlOI/AAAAAAAAkRU/QpHdpVLeJXs/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red area is between splint edges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiiT39c4jzg/Teg9tOOy6YI/AAAAAAAAkRs/_62ba-r3TGo/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiiT39c4jzg/Teg9tOOy6YI/AAAAAAAAkRs/_62ba-r3TGo/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underside of finger is fine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de2AwXFOtzA/Teg9tumyYII/AAAAAAAAkR0/gFLR4kuOLpI/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-de2AwXFOtzA/Teg9tumyYII/AAAAAAAAkR0/gFLR4kuOLpI/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM-5cDMEjGk/Teg9qeHVn8I/AAAAAAAAkQk/cCpuIwEj55U/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM-5cDMEjGk/Teg9qeHVn8I/AAAAAAAAkQk/cCpuIwEj55U/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparing same finger from left and right hands.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h3>Condition of v9 Splint</h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zagCqtaIl4I/Teg90p2FdyI/AAAAAAAAkTM/dmhUjPG7VJI/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zagCqtaIl4I/Teg90p2FdyI/AAAAAAAAkTM/dmhUjPG7VJI/s320/IMG_0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">v9 condition after removal- top view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9MNjf9Jy8A/Teg9warTYPI/AAAAAAAAkSY/xWSQ08xKOIE/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9MNjf9Jy8A/Teg9warTYPI/AAAAAAAAkSY/xWSQ08xKOIE/s320/IMG_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">v9 Bottom View</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><h3>Making Splint v10</h3>I decided to try some new things in this revision:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Deeper color to give splint a cleaner look over time.</li>
<li>Raise the splint away from the skin (taller at the nail)</li>
<li>Spread out the tongs of the wishbone so they touch the sides of the finger.</li>
</ul><div>Making this revision was much easier than v8 and v9. Some tricks:</div><div><ul><li>Clean rubber tubes used to shape plastic</li>
<li>Get plastic tubes the right diameter (thinner) before placing into tubes.</li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trtren9HXic/Teg93g6uBwI/AAAAAAAAkUA/6wyVk3hL3BQ/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trtren9HXic/Teg93g6uBwI/AAAAAAAAkUA/6wyVk3hL3BQ/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread tubes to may a "V" shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qndtBaP_XA/Teg94EcNVOI/AAAAAAAAkUM/PfUH2Y7A7k0/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qndtBaP_XA/Teg94EcNVOI/AAAAAAAAkUM/PfUH2Y7A7k0/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Increase height above nail to keep splint away from skin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcpM7D8NBss/Teg971QrtWI/AAAAAAAAkVI/PbCAALWKxGI/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcpM7D8NBss/Teg971QrtWI/AAAAAAAAkVI/PbCAALWKxGI/s320/IMG_0651.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished splint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>I've been wearing this splint for about 12 hours and irritated skin is feeling much better (fingers crossed ... on the left hand).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-66056050027407741932011-06-01T23:06:00.000-07:002011-06-01T23:06:33.893-07:00v9 - Can I reproduce v8?Goals:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Reproduce a v8</li>
<li>Give a bit more space to the skin (thicker at the nail)</li>
<li>Make it a little shorter so it's not so close the the knuckle.</li>
</ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5shxFXQvt8I/TecZwJqZzvI/AAAAAAAAkKk/QiQPxjagvxg/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5shxFXQvt8I/TecZwJqZzvI/AAAAAAAAkKk/QiQPxjagvxg/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V9 - May 29th</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>This version has some discoloration from the black rubber tubing used to make the prototype. So, I decided to cover the base with white nail polish.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Theory for trying nail polish coating:</div><div><ol><li>Make it more attractive (smoother, more consistent color)</li>
<li>Make it more resistant to heat. The thermal plastic melts at 140 degrees. Hot water can soften the long, thin parts (e.g. doing dishes).</li>
<li>Make it stronger. Nail polish is more ridged than thermalplastic.</li>
</ol><div>Results:</div></div><div><ol><li>The white polish wasn't opaque enough to cover black impurities from rubber molding process. Different color might work.</li>
<li>Did help retain shape of prototype.</li>
<li>Did seem much stronger.</li>
<li><b>However</b> the edge where the polish met the plastic became tattered and sharp.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8yUzgHhyZE/TecZ5rEq-JI/AAAAAAAAkMo/a8l0Mh6t8kk/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d8yUzgHhyZE/TecZ5rEq-JI/AAAAAAAAkMo/a8l0Mh6t8kk/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 1st - Notice sharp edge of polish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>I fixed this by cutting off edge with a razor and covering with a band-aid (temp fix):</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FidGD2-ievY/TecZ8ytaUkI/AAAAAAAAkNo/wqRyUOuR0wk/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FidGD2-ievY/TecZ8ytaUkI/AAAAAAAAkNo/wqRyUOuR0wk/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 1st - Bandaid padding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><br />
Extra padding under knuckle end give some more space to the skin for it to rest. Does allow some bending of the DIP joint.<div><br />
</div><div><b>Plastic Ring</b></div><div><br />
I experimented with a "ring" part for the prototype a few days earlier, but moisture was annoying</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ty3CXbLMiEM/TecZ3iS349I/AAAAAAAAkMM/nK0Vg-Sjx0M/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ty3CXbLMiEM/TecZ3iS349I/AAAAAAAAkMM/nK0Vg-Sjx0M/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 29th - Plastic "ring" experiment</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Ring was shaped thermal plastic and was very snug. Initially, it was comfortable and held well; however, moister was annoying. It may be ok for other people; however, I don't wear rings because of this issue.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-57200259758755585682011-06-01T22:42:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:00:28.760-07:00V8 - Removed May 28 - 4 weeksI finally removed v8 on May 28th. (Just posting updates now.)<br />
<br />
Removing it from the nail was a bit tricky, but here's what I did:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Used nail polish remover to expose edge between nail and plastic.</li>
<li>Soaked nail in a warm olive oil path to dissolve superglue. </li>
<li>Used dental pick to wedge and separate plastic from the nail.</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Here's the nail area with residue glue:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPpoiLllfOg/TeHg9aGcMeI/AAAAAAAAj_o/dYwOMcZODgM/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPpoiLllfOg/TeHg9aGcMeI/AAAAAAAAj_o/dYwOMcZODgM/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 28th - V8 removed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-3RT2U5F9M/TeHg5ElXaYI/AAAAAAAAj-8/GiokfzyppEQ/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-3RT2U5F9M/TeHg5ElXaYI/AAAAAAAAj-8/GiokfzyppEQ/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Health of the nail isn't bad despite how these photos look. My real issue is the joint where the tendon is. </div><div><br />
</div><div>There is some slight swelling from where the prototype was rubbing against the skin. I also think there is some skin damage from my heat gun modifying the prototype while on my finger.</div><div><br />
</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpaKRPeSrvA/TdrOIk3zfBI/AAAAAAAAj7Y/dya0VpzhD3k/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpaKRPeSrvA/TdrOIk3zfBI/AAAAAAAAj7Y/dya0VpzhD3k/s320/IMG_0553.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">May 20th "tweaking" - heat gun was a bad idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Added padding to help with skin irritation.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_AawJn-lAo/TdrOQUhORCI/AAAAAAAAj8c/cFI4lP_WJic/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_AawJn-lAo/TdrOQUhORCI/AAAAAAAAj8c/cFI4lP_WJic/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 23rd - stared using some padding</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>I did you a heat shield (pictured under my finger), but that my not have been enough.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXtWt4iynZo/TeHg6njHWII/AAAAAAAAj_E/lD8r2FNvAQY/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXtWt4iynZo/TeHg6njHWII/AAAAAAAAj_E/lD8r2FNvAQY/s320/IMG_0574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 28th</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPObYgDiMM/TeHg7q10r8I/AAAAAAAAj_M/qghLVQFQnMQ/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPObYgDiMM/TeHg7q10r8I/AAAAAAAAj_M/qghLVQFQnMQ/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEML1yd90j8/TeHg8LsfWNI/AAAAAAAAj_U/SJe0aHyx1Tg/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEML1yd90j8/TeHg8LsfWNI/AAAAAAAAj_U/SJe0aHyx1Tg/s320/IMG_0576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9OHc9UXQfg/TeHg808RySI/AAAAAAAAj_g/B9HdUaX5RVw/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9OHc9UXQfg/TeHg808RySI/AAAAAAAAj_g/B9HdUaX5RVw/s320/IMG_0577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>It seems to be mostly a skin issue and nothing deeper. V9 will attempt to address this issue by giving more space and being smoother.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The splint was modified a couple of days before to try and make it last and fit the finger better. Here's how the splint looked when it came off the finger:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOFahD3Aukw/TeHg-qDlLLI/AAAAAAAAj_8/Q4gCxgLSHVs/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AOFahD3Aukw/TeHg-qDlLLI/AAAAAAAAj_8/Q4gCxgLSHVs/s320/IMG_0579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8aaC6THrpw/TeHg_MXlE2I/AAAAAAAAkAE/4oCvKVpXHyI/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8aaC6THrpw/TeHg_MXlE2I/AAAAAAAAkAE/4oCvKVpXHyI/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Originally here's how it looked:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPZ3MkdbnbY/TdT0dtwQSXI/AAAAAAAAjxo/7YZIEYiNCGM/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPZ3MkdbnbY/TdT0dtwQSXI/AAAAAAAAjxo/7YZIEYiNCGM/s320/IMG_0515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 18th - v8 was new</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>You'll notice it's shorter and contoured to the finger a bit more. I should have removed v8 instead of trying to modify it in place, but I was curious if it could be done.</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-57137375562982908642011-05-24T15:20:00.000-07:002011-05-24T15:20:31.978-07:00V8 - One week later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been wearing v8 prototype for almost a week now. Here are some photos showing the condition of the splint and the underlying skin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3qKQX8umPY/TdrOLi71QFI/AAAAAAAAj7s/VNGynwL41jg/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3qKQX8umPY/TdrOLi71QFI/AAAAAAAAj7s/VNGynwL41jg/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finger nail close-up shows that the nail has grown a little. I've re-applied nail hardener (some random brand from Walgreen's Sally Hansen Complete Care). It seems to hold to the nail and the superglue well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdzTqdIkMNA/TdrOPMtRFGI/AAAAAAAAj8M/E6VPIcwSAIs/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdzTqdIkMNA/TdrOPMtRFGI/AAAAAAAAj8M/E6VPIcwSAIs/s320/IMG_0559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The skin has fully recovered from my failed v7 prototype.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcT1oYu5vgc/TdrOMv54SZI/AAAAAAAAj78/N9xo9GbaiUM/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcT1oYu5vgc/TdrOMv54SZI/AAAAAAAAj78/N9xo9GbaiUM/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One trick is to place a thin gauze under the splint at night or after it's been wet too long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_AawJn-lAo/TdrOQUhORCI/AAAAAAAAj8c/cFI4lP_WJic/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_AawJn-lAo/TdrOQUhORCI/AAAAAAAAj8c/cFI4lP_WJic/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another trick is to secure the nail at night or when I expect to be doing something that might stress the splint.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It doe make it mildly harder to type, but with a thin (3mm) closure tape (3M brand), it's not very noticeable and does take a lot of stress off the nail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL87ADeCbLY/TdrOQ7IEjaI/AAAAAAAAj8o/G4UqiLmZ3OU/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HL87ADeCbLY/TdrOQ7IEjaI/AAAAAAAAj8o/G4UqiLmZ3OU/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The position of the tape is important. Placing the finger-tip tape (distral) closer to the hand helps with typing while placing the back (proximal) tape away from the finger fold helps with circulation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln73z0PVb6o/TdrORYGBuEI/AAAAAAAAj80/Y7kcstQjqAI/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln73z0PVb6o/TdrORYGBuEI/AAAAAAAAj80/Y7kcstQjqAI/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-14416833332922118792011-05-20T11:28:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:46:41.712-07:00Google bodyIt's an interesting and interactive way to explore body parts.<br />
<br />
Here's the<a href="http://goo.gl/72Lul"> hand showing just bones and tendons</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoeOcKIjpoMg1S9I1bU6a6q6P4mfSH4Zm_wh-xPorsjlC3_K6rb4ZAgwybrX60twgGkQdjKu0ZVuOqA-n2Q-mSXZIl7Fa9Cgp1wS05UJ5qjBpfKPII2yPTYP9yzDNxwZCC9D3SpqKnxVa/s1600/google-body-hand.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoeOcKIjpoMg1S9I1bU6a6q6P4mfSH4Zm_wh-xPorsjlC3_K6rb4ZAgwybrX60twgGkQdjKu0ZVuOqA-n2Q-mSXZIl7Fa9Cgp1wS05UJ5qjBpfKPII2yPTYP9yzDNxwZCC9D3SpqKnxVa/s200/google-body-hand.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here is a starting point where you can explore:<br />
<a href="http://bodybrowser.googlelabs.com/body.html#">http://bodybrowser.googlelabs.com/body.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-43823137786226642912011-05-20T02:04:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:58:39.225-07:00V8 prototype details - 3 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPZ3MkdbnbY/TdT0dtwQSXI/AAAAAAAAjxo/7YZIEYiNCGM/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VPZ3MkdbnbY/TdT0dtwQSXI/AAAAAAAAjxo/7YZIEYiNCGM/s320/IMG_0515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This version focused on trying to keep the finger rigid while allowing the skin to breathe and heal.<br />
<br />
It has been working great so far and my skin has mostly recovered from v7 prototype.<br />
<br />
This is just a theory, but one possible advantage of this design is that it doesn't cause pressure on the tendon that's healing. All the previous prototypes rested down the back of the finger and any bending of the DIP joint would cause medial pressure to the tendon area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8zkwUlyVQ/TdT0gDw1BhI/AAAAAAAAjyk/qxzV79Dc6Eo/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8zkwUlyVQ/TdT0gDw1BhI/AAAAAAAAjyk/qxzV79Dc6Eo/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here is a short video to help understand how the design looks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dD1Xmto6ux8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-534735535702857395.post-78075428260961449792011-05-19T01:49:00.000-07:002011-05-20T16:36:00.780-07:00Splint prototypes v1-v7I stopped posting blogs for the past 3 weeks for various reasons; however, I've continued to iterate on splint designs. I'm now up to my 8th revision!<br />
<br />
Why so many? Well, superglue is removed with olive oil (and other common oils) and I was refining my design and splint building skills.<br />
<br />
I kept having adhesive failures after cooking, doing dishes or working with certain materials for splint design. Some web research revels that olive oil is used to remove superglue. I've switched to using a combo of nail hardener, nail polish and superglue... and I avoid getting olive oil on the nail.<br />
<br />
Here is a quick recap of my previous prototypes.<div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div><hr style="color: #cc0000; height: 1px; width: 527px;" /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V8 - </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><b>May 17, 2011 8:30 AM</b></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div>This is my current iteration and is working great.</div><div><br />
<br />
<div><hr style="color: #cc0000; height: 1px; width: 527px;" /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V7 - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">May 14, 2011 10:00 AM </span></b></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg0iGgEIiFE/TdT0Xm1FhFI/AAAAAAAAjvY/WPvqjtl0Cig/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg0iGgEIiFE/TdT0Xm1FhFI/AAAAAAAAjvY/WPvqjtl0Cig/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TSYGkfAOqNkux_rA9lBsiPkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V7</a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div>The skin under the splint was starting to bother me, so I thought I'd try using a Band-Aid brand Advanced Healing bandaid. These are meant to stay on 24 hrs.<br />
<br />
The only issue is the warm thermal plastic bonded to the back of the bandaid.<br />
<br />
This version lasted 70 hrs (almost 3 days). 3x longer than the band-aid should stay on.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdEyd51ntG4/TdT0aeyTBhI/AAAAAAAAjwY/oGdPdfyl-iI/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdEyd51ntG4/TdT0aeyTBhI/AAAAAAAAjwY/oGdPdfyl-iI/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bXFDxtgV611E-99r3ZB87vkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V7 </a>- Skin irritation </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><br />
<br />
This was a very stable and comfortable design since the whole length of the splint was stuck to the back of the finger down the whole length.<br />
<br />
The skin did start to become irritated and didn't look well when the superglue finally failed.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB6J5Zbix6c/TdT0bkTL5kI/AAAAAAAAjw8/hc6rgIvSa4g/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AB6J5Zbix6c/TdT0bkTL5kI/AAAAAAAAjw8/hc6rgIvSa4g/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3AVcLFlrfInTUQleLBezBPkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V7 </a>- Skin irritation</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V6 - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">May 13, 2011 12:30 PM </span></b></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU_zY3ct1lI/TdT0PlzZiiI/AAAAAAAAjss/TvSJ2971VQ0/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU_zY3ct1lI/TdT0PlzZiiI/AAAAAAAAjss/TvSJ2971VQ0/s320/IMG_0372.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jGYsLLWuK72ojre68hFMKfkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V6 </a>- Focus on making the nail more stable</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: right;"></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This version focused on making something simple and rigid that was repeatable.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I started using more Closure Tape at both the distal and proximal ends. It is thin, easy to apply/adjust/replace.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This version also started experimenting nail hardener / nail polish to strengthen the nail and improve the bonding.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It ends up that warm prototyping plastic bonds directly to nail hardener without super glue. However, there was still an adhesion failure 20 hrs later after exposing the prototype to some really hot water.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnMXPOVQl2U/TdT0Hoxu8hI/AAAAAAAAjqI/Cy2t0UyQzx4/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnMXPOVQl2U/TdT0Hoxu8hI/AAAAAAAAjqI/Cy2t0UyQzx4/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gvY0F8xeC_O7rv5KQjGmm_kNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V5 </a>- Wire frame experiment</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">V5 - </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">May 12, 2011 2:30</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> PM </span></b></div></div>This version used 18 gauge cooper wire as an armature.</div><div><br />
It was very thin; however, the cooper was a bad choice. It was strong, but not rigid. It could be bent with enough pressure and then would hold that shape.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ON6usdMnb2zRsqon80UoRPkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V5 </a>- At removal time. Skin showing some wear.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The skin showed some irritation after it was removed 20 hrs later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIApFXYRg8/TdT0MRKMT1I/AAAAAAAAjrs/DV4oltbCe9g/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxIApFXYRg8/TdT0MRKMT1I/AAAAAAAAjrs/DV4oltbCe9g/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8NVMWOu9OPvzh93rijXzt_kNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V5</a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Because of the frequent super-glue failures, I started using skin closures to hold the tip to the nail.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AjPxV9TQ3g/TdTz_vFZkZI/AAAAAAAAjng/XBobTX1XbAw/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AjPxV9TQ3g/TdTz_vFZkZI/AAAAAAAAjng/XBobTX1XbAw/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">V4 - At time of application</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V4 - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">May 11, 2011 2:50 PM</span></b></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></b></div></div>Attempt to replicated thin / well fitting v1.<br />
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This version was very comfortable and kept the DIP very stable.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JRYE9-SmXA/TdT0Ckz7b7I/AAAAAAAAjok/qjpWlSgwQDU/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JRYE9-SmXA/TdT0Ckz7b7I/AAAAAAAAjok/qjpWlSgwQDU/s320/IMG_0329.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">V4 - Closeup of nail</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fingernail is showing some wear from all the prototyping. Some of the roughness is left over superglue.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Superglue failed May 12, 2011 1:30 PM. <div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V3 - </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">May 8, 2011 2:00 PM</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1211939696"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RigScsVVmFU/TdTzx-E2Z-I/AAAAAAAAjiQ/AgAYZ5rfBfU/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W9CepL4GtG6nnf8davZVHfkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V3 - Used rubber tubing to shape plastic</a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Superglue failure, so I made another prototype. This time I experimented using tubing to shape the plastic. My goal was to get straighter, stronger lines.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCz-loxJrVY/Tcqo0eZwm8I/AAAAAAAAiMY/rjWYs-SkNHU/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCz-loxJrVY/Tcqo0eZwm8I/AAAAAAAAiMY/rjWYs-SkNHU/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mQ53v_4XjbT0EnGmN8Pqb_kNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V3 </a>- At time of failure. Roughness is from experiment.</div></td></tr>
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</div></div>This version held up pretty well. The gap between the plastic and the finger was an issue. It didn't hold the finger as rigid and put a lot of radial pressure on the nail, so the prototype was heated and pressed firmer against the finger.<br />
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The 2nd photo was taken when the superglue failed approx 26hr later. The rough texture is from an experiment to create a cradle using a fabric like plastic; but it stuck to the Thermal Plastic.<br />
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Notice the band-aids under the splint to offer some relief from moisture and pressure.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>V2 - May 7, 2011 - 9:00 AM</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hMyGQfSNqw/TchM0I_mqwI/AAAAAAAAg-E/iwht-XbiCP4/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hMyGQfSNqw/TchM0I_mqwI/AAAAAAAAg-E/iwht-XbiCP4/s320/IMG_0237.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MBTPR_E93Anogqi7JwLp1PkNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V2 </a>- Initial attempt was too flexible</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>This version was an attempt to replicate V1. Maybe make it a little cleaner.<br />
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</div></div>It looks great, however, it wasn't still enough and DIP joint would flex.<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0wFxQax6Rw/TchM22gLzpI/AAAAAAAAg-0/AUOAyiBs7-k/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0wFxQax6Rw/TchM22gLzpI/AAAAAAAAg-0/AUOAyiBs7-k/s320/IMG_0256.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qxozmbfekr2sl_Oc0qROV_kNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V2.1</a> - Same splint reinforced</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I attempt to fix this design by adding more plastic to the weak sections while still on my finger.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>The final splint was much more solid and very robust. The back of the splint was useful in a couple of situations to protect my finger while I was getting accustomed to not using that finger.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmWH2Kt9qQ/TcLk6OcnCZI/AAAAAAAAg24/dZ1xHkAV24s/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmWH2Kt9qQ/TcLk6OcnCZI/AAAAAAAAg24/dZ1xHkAV24s/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yAsZSKJWNipiQaFKTcVgr_kNdZ79vDgXNd8a0BbKAQg?feat=directlink">V1 </a>- Original design</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>V1 - Apr 29, 2011 </b><br />
This was my original attempt and for the longest time, the best.<div><br />
</div>Some of the success was because my finger and nail were still in good shape. As you'll see later, the constant re-gluing of plastic to my finger nail takes a toll.<div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1