Upper Extremity Orthoses Flashcards
Orthotic Functional Goals
Immobilization
Positioning
Prevention of Deformities
Assist in functional movements
Control Options
Permit free motion in one plane
Enhance desired motion
Resist undesired motion
Limit motion to a fixed or variable range
Stop motion
Thumb Spica
Offers additional immobilization for the thumb.
Neoprene, elastic, etc.
Indications: Soft tissue injuries, gamekeeper injuries, collateral ligament support, avulsion fx to the thumb.
Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthosis (WHFO)
Maintains neutral position of the hand to reduce wrist flexion, increase extension of fingers, prevents finger flexion and damage to palmar skin.
Indications: arthritis, stroke complications, UE weakness, contractures.
Cock-up wrist splint
Provides effective support to painful wrist, reduce and control the ROM.
Fabric with hook/loop closure.
Fingers exposed, extends up forearm to extend leverage and functionality.
Can be with or without thumb spica.
Indications: Tendonitis, De Quervain’s, Carpal Tunnel, Strains, Soft Tissue Injuries
Elbow Sleeve
Neoprene sleeve, contoured at the elbow to keep flexibility, maintain compression of soft tissue.
Kinesthetic reminder - use caution with joint.
Indications: Soft tissue injuries, strains, minor sprains.
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow strap
Relieve discomfort on lateral or medial side of elbow to reduce tension forces on wrist extensor tendons.
Indications: pain in medial or lateral epicondyle
Hinged Elbow Orthosis
Limits flexion/extension as well as rotation at the joint.
Indications: elbow arthroplasty, tendon/ligament repair, hyperextension injury.
Arm Sling
Soft, stretchable cotton spandex, ergonomically designed to hold injured or disabled arm as gently as possible.
Indications: trauma, post-operative, etc.
Elastic Shoulder Immobilizer
Provides upward pressure on forearm/elbow for better alignment of glenohumeral joint.
Indications: Shoulder fusion, dislocation, reconstruction, soft tissue repairs.
Shoulder Abduction Orthosis
Airplane orthosis
Especially effective where shoulder position and elbow flexion control are desired.
Indications: reconstructive surgery, subluxation, post-op rotator cuff repair.
Figure 8 Splint
Clavicle splint, clavicle fracture and posture problems.
Abducts shoulders & applies pressure to clavicles to keep them more aligned so healing can occur.
Indications: clavicle fx, posture problems.
