Introduction & Rationale for use of Comfy Grip Hand splints:
Basic to the use of any orthosis are factors such as prevention of deformity by proper positioning, support of weakened segments, control or stabilization of joints proximally to those activated or prevention of substitution. Orthosis may be also used to correct present deformities. They are therapeutic & functional.
Splints are used for the following functions:
1. Stabilize (immobilize) joints in a desired position to rest the joint, tendons, ligaments and muscles or maintain a certain bone alignment
2. Prevent contracture or deformity
3. Prevent unwanted motion
4. Gradually stretch contracture to increase range of joint motion
5. Provide support for flaccid hand and wrist
6. Relieves pain
7. Facilitate palmar hygiene
8. Prevent pressure sores or facilitate healing of existing pressure areas
Assessment of the Patient for Hand splinting:
A visual assessment of the patient is performed while patient is in bed and/or while in the wheelchair. Patient to be observed for:
1. Active movement noted in involved arm, wrist and fingers
2. Expression of pain
3. Skin condition of the arm, wrist, hand and fingers
4. Position of the arm, wrist and fingers
5. Any muscle spasms
Physical assessment of the patient is performed by physically assessing the amount of flexion and extension a patient has at the wrist joint, MP, DIP, PIP and MCP joints. Passive Range of Motion (ROM) is performed to see the amount of joint movement that is possible when a trained medical personnel moves joint. Active Range of Motion (AROM) movement is how much range the patient has independently without assistance. Active Assistive ROM (AAROM) movement indicates how much ROM the patient has with some assistance from a trained medical professional.
Therapeutic uses of the Comfy Grip Hand Orthosis:
1. Graduated extension of the spastic clenched fingers, thumb and wrist
2. Corrects and controls radial or ulnar deviation
3. Controls wrist drop
4. Helps restrict arthritic changes and deformity related to neuromuscular impairment
5. Positions flaccid hand and wrist
6. Maintains skin integrity by absorbing moisture, allowing air circulation and preventing skin maceration on palmer surface
7. Allows for increased hygiene care by allowing nail care and cleaning of palmar surface
8. Maintenance of functional position of the fingers, thumb and wrist
Contra-Indications:
1. Patient has circulatory problems
2. Pressure areas or skin irritations appear
3. Patient has persistent pain in the fingers, thumb and wrist
Advantages of the Comfy Grip Hand Orthosis:
1. The splint is adjustable and re-adjustable to individual patient without the use of heat or tools
2. The splint can be graduated up to increase finger, wrist and thumb extension
3. The splint is lightweight and durable
4. The splint comes with one or two piece cover that can be laundered
5. The splint cover is made of terrycloth that absorbs and prevents skin maceration
6. The splint cover is lined with soft foam and covers the whole frame of the splint so that any edged that touch the patient are padded to prevent pressure areas on patient’s body
7. The splint is soft with rounded padded edges to minimize self injury
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