The goals of this therapy are to avoid night-time locking and prevent progressive PIP flexion contracture.
Two splints may be used, depending on patient preference - either a static PIP/DIP finger extension splint or a resting pan (MCP, PIP, DIP) extension splint may be used. For the latter, if the thumb is not involved, a prefabricated wrist splint may be used as follows: a short nonelastic wrist support splint appropriate for the contralateral hand is worn backwards, with the thumb through the thumb hole, but the original forearm component lies distal to support the fingers in extension. The splint is applied for nightly wear for 3-6 weeks.