Perspectives on remote learning of orthotic fabrication by certified hand therapists.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption to continuing educational opportunities for hand therapists. In response, some courses were offered via online platforms, including virtual orthotic fabrication courses. It is important to determine the effectiveness and benefits of these courses for educating certified hand therapists and examine if remote learning of orthotic fabrication skills has continued merit and relevance.

Relative motion orthoses: fabrication tips.

Relative Motion (RM) orthoses are an extremely important and beneficial intervention in hand rehabilitation. They can be used for a variety of hand conditions including for positioning, protection, alignment and exercise. In order to achieve the intended goals of this orthotic intervention, the clinician must pay attention to detail during its fabrication.

Utilization of 3D printed orthoses for musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity: A systematic review.

Study Design: Systematic Review INTRODUCTION: 3D printed orthoses are emerging as a possible option in the field of hand therapy to fabricate conventional casts and orthoses. It is unknown how this technology is currently being used to treat upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions, and if 3D orthoses are comparable to custom- made low temperature thermoplastic orthoses fabricated by hand therapists.

Purpose Of The Study: The primary aim of this review was to investigate the utilization, effectiveness and feasibility of 3D printed technology to manufacture custom orthoses for musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity.

Teaching orthotic design and fabrication content in occupational therapy curricula: Faculty perspectives.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey study.

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) programs must provide students with the skills necessary to fabricate orthoses. Input from OT educators can provide valuable insight into how these skills are taught and the resources used.

Necessity of Immobilizing the Metacarpophalangeal Joint in Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Short-term Effect.

Background: Conservative treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) may include orthotic fabrication to decrease pain. Different types of orthoses have been used as conservative interventions to improve symptoms, but there are no guidelines specifying if inclusion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) in an orthosis is required in the treatment of thumb CMC joint OA. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of 2 different thumb CMC joint orthotic designs on pain reduction and improved hand function: one design immobilizes both the MCP joint and the CMC joint and the other design immobilizes only the CMC joint.

An alternative fabrication method of the dart thrower's motion orthosis (also known as the dart orthosis).

To allow safe early wrist motion after wrist injury, this author has modified an earlier version of a dart thrower's motion orthotic device using material that is currently available on the market and an inexpensive paper fastener as the rivet. - KristinValdes, OTD, OT, CHT, Practice Forum Editor.

The use of joint mobilization to improve clinical outcomes in hand therapy: a systematic review of the literature.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Introduction: Joint mobilizations are used as an intervention for improving range of motion, decreasing pain and ultimately improving function in patients with a wide variety of upper extremity diagnoses. However, there are only a limited number of studies describing this treatment for conditions affecting the elbow, wrist, and hand.

Static progressive orthoses for the upper extremity: a comprehensive literature review.

Background: Static progressive orthoses are commonly used in the treatment of stiff joints or joint contractures of the upper extremity, but there are few high-quality studies to support this intervention. In addition, there has not been a recently published review of the current literature describing this treatment technique and the outcomes achieved. The specific purpose of this comprehensive literature review is to investigate the current levels of evidence supporting the use of static progressive orthoses in the treatment of joint stiffness or contracture in clients with orthopedic conditions of the upper extremity.

A randomized controlled study of contrast baths on patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Contrast baths are a treatment modality commonly used in hand clinics. Yet the benefits of contrast baths have been poorly substantiated.

Continuous passive motion after tenolysis in hand therapy patients: a retrospective study.

Continuous passive motion (CPM) is a common adjunct to the postoperative therapy program. Use of CPM has been advocated for a variety of diagnoses in hand rehabilitation. This retrospective study compares two groups of patients who underwent digital tenolysis (and/or capsulectomy) and evaluates the use of CPM in their postoperative therapeutic management.

Tracking chronic disease and risk behavior prevalence as survey participation declines: statistics from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system and other national surveys.

Introduction: Response rates for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) have declined in recent years. The response rate in 1993 was approximately 72%; in 2006, the response rate was approximately 51%. To assess the impact of this decline on the quality of BRFSS estimates, we compared selected health and risk factor estimates from BRFSS with similar estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Radiography: a review for the rehabilitation professional.

In the normal course of practice, rehabilitation professionals are not typically provided with x-rays or radiology reports. Hand therapists who obtain x-rays or reports will glean valuable information about the patient that might otherwise go unidentified. Unique details discovered from an x-ray can contribute to improved clinical treatment plans and functional outcomes.

Hands across the water: clinical observations of hand therapy practices in Great Britain and Norway.

The Evelyn Mackin Traveling Hand Therapist Award is a new award established in 2004 by the American Hand Therapy Foundation. This award was named in honor of Evelyn Mackin, a distinguished leader in hand therapy rehabilitation. Ms.

Static progressive splint for composite flexion.

Frequently when one sustains an injury to a digit, multiple soft tissue structures can be involved. As a result, the MCP, PIP, and DIP joints can be affected, thus limiting the ability to fully flex the finger. As hand therapists, one of our primary goals is to improve functional grasp/grip.