Hand Biomechanics Lab Digit Widget Patient Information page 2

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