Mallet Finger brace for while diving

[doctock993]

I managed to pop the DIP extensor tendon on my non dominant (left) hand 5th digit ("pinky") 2 weeks ago giving myself a "Mallet finger" deformity. Saw a hand specialist and am in a custom brace to try to keep the fingertip hyperextended to allow the tendon to hopefully spontaneously reattach. The goal is to keep the finger in this position for at least 8 weeks.
However, I've got a big dive trip to Raja Ampat 10 days from now with a full DSLR photo kit, etc.
The Occupational Therapist said "Oh, you can't dive with that brace" - when I explained that there was no way I was dumping my trip over a mallet finger, she breezily said "Well you'll just have to start the 8 weeks over after your trip."

Is there anyone with experience with any of the multitude of over-the-counter finger braces and how they:
- survive in salt-water over 20-40 dives in a 10 day period
- are minimally in the way for diving and trying to manipulate camera rig

ANY assistance, suggestions are welcome.

 

[rsingler]

If your pharmacy doesn't have one in its supplies section, stop by your orthopedic doctor's office and ask for a foam padded aluminum brace. Cut it to length and wrap with thin gauze, splitting the last six inches in half lengthwise so you can tie it in place, instead of using tape which will float away.
Or get something slightly bulkier like this from Amazon (search for finger splint)

The loop on top may keep it in place without a gauze tie, but you may need to get a cheap dive glove, cut off one finger and tie the splint to the glove.
The Amazon product cones in a pack of ten, which may make up for deterioration of the foam over multiple dives. As for camera work, well, at least it's your pinky.

Hope this helps.
Diving Doc

 

[kelemvor]

If your pharmacy doesn't have one in its supplies section, stop by your orthopedic doctor's office and ask for a foam padded aluminum brace. Cut it to length and wrap with thin gauze, splitting the last six inches in half lengthwise so you can tie it in place, instead of using tape which will float away.
Or get something slightly bulkier like this from Amazon (search for finger splint)
View attachment 545370
The loop on top may keep it in place without a gauze tie, but you may need to get a cheap dive glove, cut off one finger and tie the splint to the glove.

Hope this helps.
Diving Doc

I've got that same brace. I got mine from a Walgreens pharmacy for well under 10 bucks. Works well but does require some maintenance. Mine came with a Velcro strip to attach the rear of it. I replaced the Velcro with a wider strip (meant for computer cable management) to make it more comfortable. Might be even more comfortable if you used a glove over it. Optionally you could remove the other 4 fingers from the glove.

The foam in that brace can get pretty nasty. I'm not sure if diving with it will make that worse or better (by cleaning it). I'd bring two or 3 on the trip just in case.

Edit: here's the one I used, I guess it's slightly different from the amazon splint: Walgreens Baseball Splint $6.99

 

[doctock993]

@rsingler & @kelemvro - Thank you for the rapid replies.

I already have a CVS padded aluminum finger splint. In addition to slight extension at the tip (not the desired slight hyperflexion) the issue with the aluminum versions is they are BULKY. Also, I agree that the foam will probably not last more than 2-3 days of diving.

While the following would need a wrap to secure, and does the total "no no" of immobilizing the PIP joint, how do these look for the dive-time (only) bracing?
https://www.amazon.com/Neo-Finger-S...NZ59F7BN38AD&refRID=Z9PW05W6NZ59F7BN38AD&th=1

Or one of these? They look really minimal.
https://www.amazon.com/Finger-Clear...PFGRBYX6YJV&psc=1&refRID=HGSVWV9FMPFGRBYX6YJV

 

[kelemvor]

Seems like either of those would be worth a shot, given the risk and the fact that they're inexpensive I would get a couple and try 'em out. That's how I picked the metal one originally. I bought the 3 or 4 types that walgreens had and liked the metal thing the best.

You could probably also do it with a Popsicle stick and a few strips of velcro (or a glove). When I was a kid, my buddy did that to heal up an injured finger. He didn't want to tell his mom and get in trouble so he rigged up a splint with a Popsicle stick. It ruined that summer for us.

 

[rsingler]

The first one is okay, because you can perhaps pad the tip to extend the tip beyond the DIP joint, but it'll be big for a fifth digit, and has the same problem with the foam.

The second BraceOn product is unsatisfactory, because it does not also immobilize the joint above the DIP joint, which is an important component of having your extensor tendon kept fully extended to hopefully stay in contact with the torn distal piece. It's not designed for healing, but rather to just keep you from catching the finger when you put your hand in your pocket.

 

[Eyegore]

And yet another flavor: Stax Finger Splints: Mallet Finger Splint

 

[rsingler]

And yet another flavor: Stax Finger Splints: Mallet Finger Splint

Same problem as in my comment above. It's not designed for healing, but just for positioning. Sorry.

 

[Eyegore]

Perhaps a custom-made splint can be shaped by a hand specialist from Rolyan sheet material? Rolyan will withstand water exposure.

 

[martincohn]

How about a gold one?