Custom Fabricated Orthoses

purpose of splinting

• immobilization of healing

• mobilize to improve motion of function

• position/rest for pain control and prevention

advantages of splinting

• lightweight and removable

• custom, mold around wounds, pins, bony prominences

• modify as pt progresses

• remove for early AROM

what is the general fx guidelines for fx at the joint?

immobilize bone above and below

what is the general fx guidelines for fx at diaphysis?

immobilize joint above and below

what is the general fx guidelines for fx at finger/hand?

immobilization needs to include digit on both sides

what are properties to consider when choosing splint material?

• memory

• drapability

• rigidity

define memory

does it return to its original shape after it is stretched

define drapability

how well does it form to bony prominences

diagnosis treated with dorsal blocking splint or static finger orthosis

• volar plate injuries

• dorsal dislocation

• can be placed volarly in extension

  • P2 fx

  • PIP collateral ligament sprain

splint wear time for volar plate injury

about 3 weeks

splint wear time for dorsal dislocation

about 5-6 weeks

can a dorsal blocking splint/static finger orthosis be worn during a game?

yes

what type of splint is this?

dorsal blocking splint or static finger orthosis

what is a finger cast used for?

central slip injury

what type of deformity can be cause from a central slip injury?

boutonniere deformity

what type of splint is this?

finger cast

what diagnoses are mallet splint/DIP blocking splints used for?

• trigger finger

• mallet finger

  • swan neck deformities

splint wear time for mallet finger

6-8 weeks

what can mallet finger turn into?

swan neck deformity

what type of splint is this?

mallet splint/DIP blocking splint

what diagnoses are a C-splint used for?

• OA

• UCL tear of the thumb/gamekeeper’s thumb/skier’s thumb

what type of splint is this?

C-splint

what diagnoses are a thumb spica orthosis use for?

• DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis

• CMC joint OA

• UCL injuries

• scaphoid fx

what type of splint is this?

thumb spica orthosis

what diagnosis is a dorsal drape orthosis used for?

flexor tendon injuries

what position is the hand in for a dorsal drape orthosis?

• wrist slightly extended/neutral

• MCP at 70 degrees flexion

• IPs slight flexion

what type of splint is this?

dorsal drape orthosis

what diagnoses are wrist control orthoses used for?

• distal radius fx

• carpal tunnel

• tendinitis

what type of splint is this?

wrist control orthosis