Definition

Derieved from Greek expression making straight An appliance used to support, align, prevent or correct deformity of a body part or to improve the function of a movable part of body

Function
Increase range of motion (ROM) Immobilise - promote tissue healing correct / prevent contractures / deformities Assist in providing enhanced function Block unwanted movement of a joint

General Classification
Function
Static / Dynamic Assistive / Substitutive / Protective / Corrective

Duration of action
Temporary / Semi permanent / Permanent

Site of Action
Hand orthosis / Wrist Hand orthosis Forearm and Elbow Orthosis Shoulder orthosis

Protective SO - Single strap

Indications

Support the arm or shoulder in Strain or sprain Fractures and dislocation

emergency management post-operative splinting

Incorrect

Incorrect

Correct
Flexion of the elbow > 90 degrees Aids in
limb elevation decreases dependent edema

Wrist also to be supported

PROTECTIVE Multi-strap
Figure-8 harness/clavicular brace stretch across the chest retract scapulae restrict motion allow for tissue healing

Multi-strap
Special shoulder immobiliser

Ordinary Shoulder immobiliser

Corrective
Shoulder Abductor Orthosis Airplane Splint
After shoulder surgery
rotator cuff rupture, injury of the shoulder -arm regions acromioplasty,

Axilla burn Paralytic Adduction contracture

Shoulder arm orthosis protective

Sarmiento Functional arm brace
Used in humeral shaft fractures

Elbow orthosis
Protective
Static or dynamic splints Bands Braces

Corrective
Turnbuckle Elbow orthosis

Elbow Orthosis protective

Static and Dynamic splints
Immobilization after traumatic/infective/arthritic conditions Olecranon/Epicondyle Fractures Ligament injuries Instabilities 90 degrees flexion in mid-prone position

Elbow orthosis bands

Tennis elbow band
Prevents translation of extensor tendon movements from the distal end to the proximal site of pathology

Elbow Orthosis Corrective

Turnbuckle Elbow orthosis Treatment of elbow flexion and extension contractures

Wrist hand orthosis

Protective
Cock up splint / carpal tunnel splint Thumb spica splint

Assistive
Dynamic cock up splint Flexion / extension outrigger splints

Corrective
Static splints Flexion / extension outrigger splints

Position of safe Immobilisation

James position

Wrist Hand Orthosis cock up splint

Provides proper support to the wrist Functional positioning splint Post cast fracture immobilization Post tendon transfer support

Wrist hand orthosis carpal tunnel splint

Relieves the median nerve of excess pressure and subsequent ischaemia in persistent flexion posture

Wrist Hand Orthosis - Assistive Dynamic splints

Dynamic cock up splint:
Used in radial nerve palsy Maintains passive range of movements at joints Maintains length of the extensor tendons and for recovery of the nerve allows time

Wrist Hand Orthosis Corrective Static splints

Splints to achieve correction of MCP joint stiffness

Wrist Hand Orthosis corrective dynamic splints

Dynamic Flexion Outrigger Splint
Stretches collateral ligaments in extension contracture of MCP joints In flexor tendon injury post-operative mobilisation ( Klienerts protocol)

Wrist Hand Orthosis thumb opposition

Sprains, fractures and strains Maintaining the thumb ROM Restrict motion in patients with arthritis Stabilize the thumb in opposition in patients with peripheral nerve injuries Tendon transfers/repairs

Hand Orthosis
Protective Assistive static / dynamic

Corrective

Hand orthosis static splints - Mallet Splint

Mallet Finger deformity due to trauma After Closed Fixation Of Fracture Fragment When Hyperextension of D.I.P. joint is necessary

Hand Orthosis static splints

Finger extension splints

Hand Orthosis for Thumb static splints

Thumb web spacer splint / thumb spica opposition splint
Post surgery after 1st web space release Post fracture/ligament fixation

Hand Orthosis corrective static splints - straps

Flexion straps
Serial correction of extension contractures of the IP joints

Hand Orthosis corrective static splints

Serial correction of flexor stiffness/ contractures of the IP joints

Hand Orthosis IP Flexion assist Knuckle Bender

Dynamic anticlaw deformity splint Flex MCP, allow active MCP extension correct hyperextension of MCP promote active IP extension

Hand Orthoisis IP Flexion Assist

Block PIP extension Swan neck deformity, Trauma - PIP volar plate injury

Hand Orthosis IP Extension assist

Dynamic Splint for Boutonniere deformity Central slip avulsion injuries Extend PIP & DIP Allow active PIP flexion

Summary
Defintion and function of a splint Nomenclature Types of splints
Site of action Type of function
Protective / substitutive Assistive / corrective Dynamic / static