Orthosis Splints Lend a Hand to Healing
 

Thanks to advances in technology, today's orthosis splints are sophisticated, frequently custom made devices used to support, align, prevent, or correct conditions that can lead to less than optimal functioning of the extremities or the spine. Orthoses for the hands are used in the treatment of neurological issues; preventing soft tissue contractures in burn victims; preventing deformities in rheumatoid arthritis; or secondary post-surgical casting as well as injury treatment.   

        The Comfyprene Cock Up Hand Orthosis allows a user's fingers freedom while providing low profile support and stability to the wrist. The splint controls wrist drop, provides the fingers with gradual extension, helps to ward off arthritic characteristics, and maintains hand position. It can be used on the right or left hand and its side wings are adjustable for ulnar/radial deviations, providing for a custom fit. This lightweight splint's straps feature foam lining and loop-and-hook closures. Rounded edges prevent self-injury while the open palm and free fingers facilitate skin integrity and hygiene practices.

        Using a C bar to hold the thumb in its proper position, the Comfy Splints Pediatric Opposition Thumb Hand Orthosis facilitates gradual extension of the fingers, wrist, and thumb. This splint also reduces the risk of arthritic deformities caused by neuromuscular impairments, and corrects and controls radial and ulnar deviation. The splint itself has rounded edges and can be adjusted without heat or tools, and is padded and terrycloth lined to prevent pressure sores.

           The RCAI Pediatric Resting Hand Orthosis Burn Unit is made from a thermoplastic that enables a customized fit using heat to mold it into a personalized shape. This orthosis positions the hand in a functional resting position during recovery from a stroke, trauma, or as a secondary post-surgical cast. In addition, it can be used to prevent early wrist and finger contractures; as part of the treatment for burn patients; in arthroplasties; or for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The lateral raised edges in the palm area discourage radial or ulnar deviation while accommodating muscle spasticity or tone. A foam liner encourages moisture evaporation for comfort.

        The DeRoyal Static Pro Wrist Orthosis can bring some relief for patients encountering problems with soft tissue contractures, and for patients recovering from burns, and also with joint stiffness, or range of motion limitations. A turn of a knob will adjust the wrist to flex or to extend and keep it and surrounding soft tissues mobile. It is designed with a low profile in mind and is lightweight and comes with a liner that is soft and absorbent to prevent moisture buildup. While the sizing may be universal, the wirefoam cuffs can be trimmed and adjusted for a customized fit. The orthosis comes in either a right- or left-hand model.  All of the soft goods are latex free.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO