To minimise skin complications, a padded aluminium-alloy malleable FINGER SPLINT (ZIMMER SPLINT) was used as the splint of choice in our unit (Fig. 2).

Figure 2
ZIMMER SPLINT applied for MALLET FINGER injury
[doesn't look much like what I would call a brindille, however]

MALLET FINGER (loss of continuity of the conjoined lateral band at the DIP joint with a characteristic flexion deformity or drooping of the DIP joint) is caused by the loss of continuity of the distal insertion of the extensor tendon. It is a COMMON HAND INJURY, arising from very minor incidents, such as tripping over and bed making (Abouna and Brown 1968). This is usually managed conservatively (Wilson and Khoo 2001) with splintage
http://www.hand-therapy.co.uk/BJHT_SPRING05_web.pdf

I wonder how much accident-incurring bedmaking goes on onboard ship ...