Overcome Contracture Caused by PIP Joint Injury with Digit Widget

Digit Widget offers a minimally invasive treatment to restore motion, improve hand function, and accelerate recovery from finger contractures triggered by PIP joint injury.

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Why address a contracture triggered by PIP joint injury early?

Ignoring a contracture brought about by PIP joint injury can lead to permanent stiffness, reduced grip, and long-term disability. Early treatment helps restore range of motion, prevents severe contracture, and enables a quicker, more complete return to active life.

Patient Testimonials

Matti H

Matti H

My left hand is nearly perfect thanks in large part to your “widget”. Thank you!!
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Linda J

Linda J

As I write this, Flip and Flop have been with me for 9 weeks. My fingers are no longe...
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Rob V

Rob V

Rob’s story begins when he was in his 40’s and noticed swelling in his knuckles a...
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Christine B

Christine B

While walking my dog around our neighborhood, I suffered a fall that caused me to fra...
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Reclaim your range of motion and independence to move.

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The lasting challenges of a PIP joint contracture after injury

  • Persistent stiffness and swelling that restrict extension
  • Reduced grip strength, making everyday tasks difficult
  • Increased risk of contracture if healing is delayeds

Why standard treatments may fail to reverse contractures caused by PIP joint injury?

Splinting

May help in mild cases, but are often ineffective for established contractures, where splints may cause blisters, pain, and ischemia.

Therapy

Therapy alone is often insufficient because scar tissue, capsular tightening, and soft-tissue changes within the joint can create fixed mechanical blocks.

Complex surgery

Can restore motion but involves long recovery, scarring, and surgical risks.

Digit Widget: A smarter way to treat contractures triggered by PIP joint injuries

  • Applies gentle skeletal torque to gradually straighten fingers
  • Lengthens soft tissues without damaging the skin or causing pain
  • Maintains finger flexion, allowing patients to stay active during treatment
  • Fast outpatient treatment, typically completed in under 20 minutes

How Digit Widget transforms PIP joint contracture treatment

Minimally invasive, pain-free relief

  • 5-10 degrees of PIP joint extension gained per week
  • Avoids the risks associated with injections
  • May be ideal for patients with medical complications

Designed for 24/7 comfort

  • No pressure points, no blisters, no loss of circulation
  • Comfortable and flexible, encouraging high compliance
  • Lightweight for continuous wear

Activity encouraged, not restricted

  • Preserves flexion and functional use of the hand
  • Reduces stiffness and enhances range of motion
  • Supports everyday tasks and light activity during treatment

Effective and ready to use

  • Single-use, sterile system with everything needed for ease of use
  • Proven results from more than 19,000 cases

Digit Widget Case Studies

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 1

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves an 83-year-old man with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the PIP and MCP joints of his long and ring fingers. He has had no prior surgery. The patient sought treatment because he was no longer able to hold a golf club. Prior to performing a fasciectomy, Dr. Agee decided to use Digit Widgets on both affected fingers to facilitate access to the palm and fingers. The Digit Widgets were applied and the Dupuytren’s bands in the palm were cut, but not excised.

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

Case Study - 2

Trauma

Courtesy of Robert Slater, MD

A 35 year-old man injured his right ring finger during a martial arts training session. Nine months later, he was referred for treatment of a persistent finger deformity that was painful and limited hand function. Previous attempts at serial plaster casting and dynamic splints failed to improve the finger’s ROM.

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Case Study - 3

Trauma

Courtesy of Alonso Escalante, MD

Six months prior to being referred to Dr. Escalante, this female patient hyperextended her ring finger. Prior splinting had not been successful in reducing her contracture and she presented with a 90º flexion contracture of her ring finger PIP joint.

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

Case Study - 4

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of WB Ericson, M.D.

This patient is a healthy 60 year old white male who presented with isolated bilateral severe contractures of the small finger PIP joints (~110º) from Dupuytren’s disease.

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

Case Study - 5

Dupuytren's Contracture

Courtesy of John Agee, M.D.

This case study involves a 73 year-old female with severe Dupuytren’s Contracture of the MCP and PIP joint of the little finger on her left hand. She had no prior surgeries on the left hand. Before surgery, her MCP joint lacked 75º and the PIP joint lacked 80º. During surgery a fasciectomy was performed and one Digit Widget was applied.

Reverse the PIP joint contracture and restore the range of motion.

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FAQs

Can a PIP joint injury lead to contractures?

Yes. PIP joint injuries can lead to contractures. After trauma, the body forms scar tissue as it heals. This scar tissue can tighten the soft tissues around the joint (tendons, ligaments, skin), causing the finger to lose its ability to straighten fully. This condition is known as a flexion contracture of the PIP joint.

How long does it take to recover from a contracture caused by PIP joint injury?

Recovery time depends on how severe and long-standing the contracture is. With traditional therapy, improvement can take months and may not fully correct a stiff joint. The Digit Widget applies steady, gentle extension torque that gradually lengthens tight tissues. Many patients begin seeing measurable improvement within the first two weeks, with continued gains as the device is worn. Severe or chronic contractures may take longer, but the gradual correction allows the finger to straighten without damaging skin or tissues.

Why is early treatment important for contracture brought about by a PIP joint injury?

Early treatment prevents the pain and permanent stiffness caused by flexion contracture of the PIP joint. When a bent joint stays immobile, tissues tighten and shorten. The longer a contracture is present, the harder it is to reverse. Early motion, splinting, and therapy help protect the range of motion and reduce long-term limitations.