Braces Ortho

Upper Limb Braces

In order to understand the importance of upper limb braces, it is helpful to know about upper limb extremity orthosis. The basic function of upper limb braces is to help increase the range of upper limb movement. Upper limb braces can also be used to immobilize or restrict movement when it is essential to keep the limb perfectly still. This is particularly important if you are recovering from an injury or an operation, as uncontrolled movements can delay a quick recovery.

The advantages of upper limb braces

Upper limb braces are used to provide traction; this is either as a preventative action to stop contractures (muscle shortening), or alternatively to correct current contractures. Upper limb braces that completely restrict movement can be gradually loosened to allow more freedom of movement when appropriate. This allows the right amount of movement at the correct pace to ensure a fast recovery. This allows an individual to become more independent in mobility as the limbs heal.

In addition to these functions, upper limb braces can also act as an attachment for other assistive devices. For example, if you have a broken wrist, forearm or elbow, upper limb braces can support your arm if it needs to be held in one position. Deformities in upper limbs can be also corrected by the use of upper limb braces. In addition, if it is not advisable to move a joint in your upper limb, the brace can be used to completely block this unwanted movement.

Clavicular and sacral orthotics

It is important to have the correct support for clavicle and sacral conditions. There are various upper limb braces that can be used to ensure the right amount of movement is allowed. These include:

Specific arm braces

Depending on the injury or deformity, there are specific upper limb braces to treat particular conditions. The elbow brace consists of posterior elbow splints that effectively cradle the elbow joint. As an alternative, a serial cast will keep the elbow in a fixed position to aid recovery. Air splints and dynamic elbow flex braces allow some degree of assisted movement, which is important as the treatment continues.

Forearm wrist braces consist of wrist cock-up splints, which will work with the wrist extension support to provide the right level of protection required. A physician may advise use of this together with an ulner gutter splint. If the injury is in the lower hand and wrist, a combination of braces is available. These include the resting hand splint, which is particularly useful if there is also ligament or tendon damage. A functional resting splint will give some limited protected movement.

For hand braces, a proximal interphalangel brace is used. A range of different braces is available for support to fingers or a broken thumb. These upper limb braces are obviously smaller and are normally attached to the wrist for support.

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