S3 L1: UE Orthoses & Prostheses Flashcards
CASE: The pt has radial nerve palsy which caused their wrist to drop. What orthosis should be prescribed and why?
Dynamic orthosis to help pt extend wrist if pt presents with weak wrist extensors
During initial fittings, the orthosis is worn only until how long?
5-30 mins. No longer than 30 mins.
The splint is to be checked every _____. If there is no redness, proceed to _____.
- 5 mins
- Increasing time
Red marks should disappear within how long?
20 mins
For first time wearing, orthosis is worn max 30 mins only then remove. For the following days, wear orthosis again but with _____ until pt is able to _____.
- Progressively increasing time
- Tolerate
In Lateral Epicondylitis, which structure is most commonly affected?
ECRB
What is the orthotic goal for Lateral Epicondylitis cases?
Decrease the pain and inflammation at the origin of the ECRB. Limit over facilitation of the muscle involved.
What is the prescribed orthosis for acute Lat Epi? Why?
Wrist Cock-up Splint
Maintains wrist extension to avoid wrist flexion because it stretched ECRB. This splint is most common and for severe pain.
What degree of wrist extension is done using the Wrist Cock-up Splint for Lateral Epi?
0-45 Degrees
This orthotic splint, used for chronic Lat Epi, decreases the force of the muscle contraction by inhibiting muscle expansion and reducing tension at the musculotendinous unit proximal to the band.
Forearm Support Band or Counterforce Brace
The Forearm Support Band or Counterforce Brace is most commonly prescribed to who?
Tennis elbow players and/or athletes
Before prescribing a Forearm Support Band, what must the pt undergo first?
- ~2 wks. of healing time (w/ additional pain modalities)
- ~2 wks. augmented restriction of motion using Cock-up splint (until pain is lessened).
In a Cubital Tunnel Syndrome case, which nerve is compressed and where is it compressed?
Ulnar nerve at the medial elbow
For Cubital Tunnel Syndrome case, what is the goal of the prescribed orthosis?
Decrease pain and paresthesia and prevent ulnar nerve compression & stretching to allow healing
This orthotic device that is used for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome cases where is avoids overextension of the elbow while and elbow pad is added to cover the medial portion.
Custom Splint with Elbow Pad
What happens when you extend the elbow for pts with a Cubital Tunnel Syndrome condition?
Stretched the ulnar nerve at the level of the medial epicondyle
What is the purpose of the elbow pad in a custom splint for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome pts?
Can be used during the day to protect the ulnar nerve from trauma or direct pressure.
This orthotic splint is recommended for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome pts that helps prevent elbow flexion when sleeping (for pts needing to limit elbow extension)
Posey Soft Splint
In what degree of elbow flexion is the Posey Soft Splint positioned in?
70 Degrees
The Posey Soft Splint is also rx for pts with severe affectation on where?
Ulnar Nerve (e.g. Fractures) or conditions that result to nerve compression)
It is the most common condition esp in pts whose work involved writing, typing, & augmenting the intrinsic muscles of the hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel to elicit Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Median Nerve
Goal of orthosis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Immobilize the wrist to prevent flexion (and promote healing)
Position for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Wrist Extension: 10 to 15°
Wrist Ulnar Deviation: 5-10°
2nd MCP in straight line with radius
MCP Flexion: 15-20° (neutral deviation)
PIP flexion: 20-25°
DIP flexion: 10°
Most recommended orthotic prescription to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome condition following the aforementioned position
Volar Resting Hand Splint
Advantage and Disadvantage of the Vilar Resting Hand Splint
Advantages: Easier to fabricate and cheaper
Disadvantage: Plastic component may press onto the median nerve which impedes healing
Volar Resting Hand Splint is indicated for patients with _____
Mild CTS pts who underwent CTS surgery
- Mis severity: Non c/c of radiating pain by resting
Orthosis Modification if Volar Resting Hand Splint will be used for Swan Neck Deformity
- Increase MCP extension with PIP flexion
- To counteract the deformity, device should end at metacarpal area to promote tenodesis effect
Orthosis Modification if Volar Resting Hand Splint is used for pure CTS w/o finger deformities
Device should end at the proximal part of hand (level of the thumb)
Contraindication for Volar Resting Hand Splint
Acute conditions
- It might compress flexor retinaculum
When can a CTS pt transition from a Dorsal Resting Hand Splint to a Volar Resting Hand Splint?
When pt presents with (-) Tinel Sign
This orthotic splint is the best choice esp for acute conditions for median nerve compression or CTS conditions where it prevents wrist flexion and allows mobility of the fingers.
Dorsal Splint Resting Hand Splint
For severe CTS conditions, the pt c/c of what?
Radiating pain even c rest & disturbs at night
What is the goal of the orthotic splint for De Quervain Tenosynovitis?
Reduce inflammation to minimize glide of the APL and the EPB tendons in the first dorsal compartment, and to reduce forceful exertion these muscles.
What is the position of the hand in wearing the custom splint for De Quervain Tenosynovitis conditions? And why is it positioned that way?
Wrist is in neutral to slight extension with the thumb radially abducted. The thumb IP joint can be left free. This is to avoid too much compression and lessen pain on the APL & EPB
T/F: Custom splint for De Quervain Tenosynovitis should be worn at all times for patients with severe symptoms.
True! It has a rigid thumb spica