Introduction to Orthotic
Fabrication for the Thumb
Author: Deborah A Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
This online
course will provide instruction in the fabrication process for making a long
thumb opponens orthosis, a precut wrist and thumb orthosis and a precut short
thumb opponens orthosis. These orthoses
are also known as thumb spica orthoses, the long opponens orthosis includes the
thumb and the wrist while the short opponens orthosis does not include the
wrist. The short thumb orthosis is a very important orthosis that clinicians
fabricate for many clients for a variety of diagnoses and conditions. This orthosis supports the thumb in a
functional position and is used for patients following injuries of the upper
extremity that involve the thumb: thumb sprains and arthritis are key
indicators for this orthosis. The long
opponens orthosis is also very important for any condition that involves
structures of the wrist and the thumb such as arthritis, fractures, and/ or
tendons that may involve both joints.
The structured
demonstration will allow the viewer to appreciate the process of finding
anatomical landmarks, pattern making, matching the pattern to the patient,
cutting and molding the material and critiquing the completed orthoses. After
viewing the video, it is recommended that the viewer take material and practice
the techniques as outlined fabricating all steps of the short and long thumb
opponens orthoses. Orthotic fabrication
involves many skills that requires hours of practice in cutting, molding and
adapting thermoplastic material to match the patient’s anatomy. This course offers
practical knowledge and information for the development of important orthotic
fabrication skills, including precise instructions from multidirectional
viewpoints.
Introduction to Orthotic Fabrication for the Thumb
This online
course will provide instruction in the fabrication process for making a long
thumb opponens orthosis, a precut wrist and thumb orthosis and a precut short
thumb opponens orthosis. These orthoses
are also known as thumb spica orthoses, the long opponens orthosis includes the
thumb and the wrist while the short opponens orthosis does not include the
wrist. The short thumb orthosis is a very important orthosis that clinicians
fabricate for many clients for a variety of diagnoses and conditions. This orthosis supports the thumb in a
functional position and is used for patients following injuries of the upper
extremity that involve the thumb: thumb sprains and arthritis are key
indicators for this orthosis. The long
opponens orthosis is also very important for any condition that involves
structures of the wrist and the thumb such as arthritis, fractures, and/ or
tendons that may involve both joints.
The structured
demonstration will allow the viewer to appreciate the process of finding
anatomical landmarks, pattern making, matching the pattern to the patient,
cutting and molding the material and critiquing the completed orthoses. After
viewing the video, it is recommended that the viewer take material and practice
the techniques as outlined fabricating all steps of the short and long thumb
opponens orthoses. Orthotic fabrication
involves many skills that requires hours of practice in cutting, molding and
adapting thermoplastic material to match the patient’s anatomy. This course offers
practical knowledge and information for the development of important orthotic
fabrication skills, including precise instructions from multidirectional
viewpoints.
Learning Objectives:
Course Outline
●
Introduction: Orthotic Fabrication for the Thumb
o
Conditions and Diagnoses
o
Types of Orthoses
o
Material Characteristics
o
Wearing Schedules
●
The Long Thumb Opponens Orthosis
o
Pattern Making
o
Fabrication and Molding
o
Finishing Steps
●
The Short Thumb Opponens Orthosis
o
Pattern Making
o
Fabrication and Molding
o
Finishing Steps
●
The Precut Wrist and Thumb Opponens Orthosis
o
Fabrication and Molding
o
Finishing Steps
●
Tips for Increasing Patient Compliance and
Conclusion
●
Post-Course Online Examination
Course Total Credits
Lecture, Video Demonstrations, Online Exam: 0.75
*Participants are responsible for ensuring their respective
state/association’s CEU rules and guidelines. This course Category C for CHT’s as per guidelines
provided by HTCC and Category 2 (Occupational Therapy Process) per the AOTA
Classification Codes for CE.
Deborah A Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
Debby Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT is a
hand therapist with over 34 years of experience in the field. She joined Orfit Industries America as Product and Educational Specialist in
Physical Rehabilitation since 2007 to promote product awareness
and education in orthotic fabrication. Debby is an active member of ASHT and
has participated in IFSHT meetings as well.
She has presented on a variety of hand therapy topics both at national
and international conferences. Debby has
also written a number of articles for hand therapy publications, including the Journal of Hand Therapy, the British Journal of Hand Therapy, ADVANCE for OT, OT Practice, www.therapytimes.com , HAND, and www.exploringhandtherapy.com as well as multiple book chapters in hand therapy reference
books. Debby completed her Clinical
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health
Professions in 2010. She is also an
adjunct professor at Touro University (NY, NY) in the Department of
Occupational Therapy. Debby has just
co-authored a textbook on orthotic fabrication with her colleague, Dr.
Katherine Schofield, called Orthotic Design and Fabrication: A Practical
Guide. It is available through SLACK,
Inc. at https://www.healio.com/books/health-professions/occupational-therapy/%7Bd4a80eb1-3ae2-4e62-8fb0-7c56f9ed34b9%7D/orthotic-design-and-fabrication-for-the-upper-extremity-a-practical-guide
Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a course?
