Dip joint extension splint and methods of using same

A finger splint for use in the treatment of finger injuries, the splint comprising:

• a first and second ring portion comprising a flexible adhesive material, the first and second ring portions capable of being bent towards each other at least partially around a finger at a location proximal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint to form a ring element configuration;
• an extension member comprising a proximal end extending from the first and second ring portions to a distal end located distally from the first and second ring portions;
• an attachment element overlaying a distal portion of the extension member proximate the distal end of the extension member, wherein the attachment element comprises an adhesive that is capable of attaching the distal end of the extension member only to a fingernail when the first and second ring portions are positioned at least partially around the finger to form the ring element configuration and the extension member is configured to be positioned over a top surface of the finger;
• and
• an overlay material connected to at least a portion of the first ring portion, at least a portion of the second ring portion, at least a portion of the extension member, or combinations thereof;
• wherein at least a portion of the extension member and at least a portion of the first and second ring portions are within a first plane prior to the first and second ring portions being bent around the finger to form the ring element configuration;
• and
• wherein the extension member extends from the proximal end to the distal end substantially perpendicular to a second plane defined by the first and second ring portions formed into the ring element configuration.

A finger splint for use in the treatment of finger injuries, the splint comprising:

• a ring element configured to fit at least partially around a finger at a location proximal to the to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint;
• an extension member having a proximal end attached to the ring element, a distal end located distally from the ring element, and an aperture proximate the distal end of the extension member;
• an attachment element having a protruding portion capable of operably engaging within the aperture on the extension member;
• and
• an overlay material proximate the distal end of the extension member having an adhesive portion capable of attaching at least partially to a finger tip of the finger;
• wherein the attachment element is capable of operably coupling the extension member to a fingernail of the finger when the ring element is positioned at least partially around the finger and the protruding portion is operably engaged within the aperture of the extension member.