Achieving the best result following an upper extremity injury may require the use of a custom splint or brace. There is an art to correctly matching splint material and splint design to your injury. Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation has two Certified Hand Therapists, each with over 20 years of experience in splint fabrication.
Over the last several decades, there have been significant advancements in non-operative conservative management and post surgical management of the hand. This has included advancements in materials and a better understanding of biomechanics. The integration of splinting and bracing into a comprehensive treatment plan can improve the patient’s ability to reach their full rehabilitation potential. Splinting techniques used by certified hand therapists influence healing structures, minimize the development of restrictive scar tissue, maintain hand function and decrease pain. A splint can be designed to:
- Prevent joint motion
- Maintain joint motion
- Enhance joint motion
- Prevent deformity
- Correct a deformity
Although the diagnosis may be similar, no two patients have identical splinting requirements. If you have Carpal Tunnel Syndome, a splint to immobilize your wrist you can be benficial. A wrist cock-up splint will allow healing of injured structures in the forearm and wrist to improve hand function. This splint is worn continually until pain and edema decrease. At that point, the splint only needs to be used during periods of activity.
If you have arthritis a custom thumb spica splint might be used to allow function while immobilizing the thumb. The astute hand specialist integrates a multitude of factors in creating a hand splint. Certified hand therapists have unique skills in the design and fabrication of custom splints to meet the needs of each patient. As outlined in The Principles of Hand Therapy, “the splint takes shape bit by bit according to the problems and needs identified.”
Several materials are available for splint fabrication. An experienced therapist will chose the most appropriate material considering the diagnosis, the purpose of the splint and your unique needs. Traditional thermoplatic materials provide strength, can be easily adjusted for a decrease in swelling or a gain in range of motion. An alternative material is the new generation of functional casting that can be washed and dried for prolonged use and is UIL approved for use during athletic competitions.
At Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation we realize that time can be a critical factor. In most cases, your patient can be seen and fitted with their splint within 24 hours. Our therapists have literally made thousands of splints.