Why does the Froomsplint come in so many shapes?
Different neurological conditions are treated with different splinted positions. Further, optimum position may differ during the course of healing due to changes in tissue and collagen architecture.

Why is the basic Froomsplint flat?
As you know, different neurological conditions are treated with different splinted positions. This neutral shape allows for those various positions. For example:

• Intrinsic extensor dysfunction (tightness) is treated with functional splinting with MPs extended and IPs free. In other words, promote IP flexion with MP extended. You would accomplish this by applying the basic splint, with the foam digital support pad placed proximal to the PIP.
• Extrinsic extensor dysfunction (tightness) is treated with MPs flexed and IPs free, and promote composite digital flexion. You would accomplish this by:
  • Froomsplint Model Numbers 1,4,11,17,18,19
  • Curved Froomsplint
• Extrinsic flexor or extensor tightness dysfunction (tightness) with place-and-hold, static splinting comfortably at end-range (especially useful at night), dynamic or static progressive splinting during the day, and functional splinting. You would accomplish this by using Froomsplint model
• Low Median Nerve Lesion Use a splint to sustain thumb abduction and digital MP flexion with IP extension to promote functional hand use and to counteract the deforming forces of the injury. You would accomplish this by using Froomsplint Model Numbers 1-short,4-short,11-short,17-short,18-short,19-short
• High Median Nerve Lesion Prepare patients for probable tendon transfers by preventing deformity with splinting and by maintaining PROM of pronation, of digital MPs in flexion, of digital IPs in extension, and of thumb CMC abduction (Colditz, 1995a; Tubiana et al., 1996). You would accomplish this by using Froomsplint Model Numbers 1-short,4-short,11-short,17-short,18-short,19-short
• Low Ulnar Nerve Lesion Splinting for ulnar nerve palsy aims to prevent overstretching of the absent ring and small finger intrinsics. An MP blocking splint that maintains slight MP flexion and prevents MP extension is recommended (Colditz, 1995). You would accomplish this by using Froomsplint Model Numbers 1-short,4-short,11-short,17-short,18-short,19-short
• High Ulnar Nerve Lesion Splinting and treatment are the same as for low ulnar nerve lesion. If the FDP is absent, teach the patient to maintain full PROM of the IPs of the ring and small fingers to prevent contractures (Colditz, 1995). You would accomplish this by using Froomsplint Model Numbers 1-short,4-short,11-short,17-short,18-short,19-short

What is Froom's philosophy toward Physical and Occupational Therapy?
While some hand therapists do incorporate purposeful activity into treatment, more support is needed for an alternative approach to hand therapy that leads with concepts of therapeutic occupation (Cooper and Evarts, 1998). One way to achieve this is to integrate patient-directed goals and activities of daily living (ADL) into hand therapy.