The Upper Extremity Splinting and Orthotics Program at Griffin Hospital is designed for a variety of patients who require custom splints to promote healing and provide protection of soft tissue or joint conditions, provide support and improve function when movement is weak or limited , and prevent or correct deformities caused by contractures.
Highlights
Conditions that may benefit from a splint/orthotic intervention including:
- Soft tissue and nerve conditions
- Wrist and elbow tendinitis
- Trigger finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Wrist drop
- Claw hand
- Peripheral neuropathies of the arm and hand
- Joint conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Traumatic conditions
- Tendon lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Burns
- Fractures
- Finger amputations
- Neurologically impaired or paralyzed arm and hand such as those observed in stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury
- Congenital or acquired deformities of the hand and arm
Overview
The program features a systematic evaluation by a skilled occupational therapist who will evaluate the need for splint/orthotic intervention. The intervention generally involves custom fabrication and functional training in the use of the splint as well as education in proper use and care of the splint.
Splint/orthotic interventions are not the sole intervention but rather an important component of a comprehensive therapy plan.
For patients to receive custom-made splints or orthotics, they must have physician referral that indicates “occupational therapy evaluation and treatment”.