These clinics aim to provide a specialised service, in which the Occupational Therapist chooses, creates and monitors (as appropriate) an upper limb splint. The aim is to increase or maintain a child/young person’s functional skills. Splints may also be prescribed to reduce deformity or assist in the child/young person’s activities of daily living.
Objectives
- To provide either a static thermoplastic splint or pre-fabricated neoprene semi-dynamic splint to prevent development of future deformities by correct positioning and decreasing the risk of contractures.
- To enhance functional ability of a child’s upper limbs by correct positioning.
- To support, educate, advise and monitor families, carers and educational staff using the splint.
- To offer the family a referral to other professionals when further hand investigations may be required.
Indications For Splinting
- Mild to moderate limitation in upper limb function
– Associated reactions influencing bilateral hand use (use of both hands together)
– Instability of joints
– Post surgery
– Post Botox
- Moderate to severe limitation in upper limb function
– Associated reactions influencing bilateral hand use (use of both hands together)
– Instability of joints
– Post surgery
– Post Botox
– Contracture management
- Severe limitation in upper limb function
– Contracture management
– Skin integrity
– Reduction of pain
– Post surgery
– Post Botox
- Brachial plexus disorders e.g. Erb’s palsy
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Post surgery
- Post Botox
- Other medical conditions impacting on upper limb function or where the child is at risk of deformity