Introduction to Orthotic
Fabrication for the Wrist
Author: Deborah A Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
This
online course will provide instruction in the fabrication process for making a
volar wrist cock-up orthosis and a dorsal wrist cock- up orthosis. The volar wrist cock-up orthosis is one of
the most important orthoses that clinicians fabricate. This orthosis supports the wrist in a
functional position and is used for patients following injuries of the upper
extremity that involve the wrist: fractures, sprains, nerve compression
syndrome such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis among others. The step by step 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 orthosis. The dorsal wrist cock-up orthosis is an
alternative method of immobilizing the wrist.
It is useful for patients who still need their palmar surface to be free
for functional tasks. It is extremely
helpful to be familiar with both options so that each patient can be fitted
with the most beneficial orthosis for their individual needs. After viewing the video, it is recommended
that the viewer take material and practice the techniques as outlined, fabricating
all steps of the volar and the dorsal wrist cock-up 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 more practical
knowledge and information for the development of these important skills, with
clear instructions and a great frontal as well as top down view to see exactly
how every step is performed.
Introduction to Orthotic
Fabrication for the Wrist
This
online course will provide instruction in the fabrication process for making a
volar wrist cock-up orthosis and a dorsal wrist cock- up orthosis. The volar wrist cock-up orthosis is one of
the most important orthoses that clinicians fabricate. This orthosis supports the wrist in a
functional position and is used for patients following injuries of the upper
extremity that involve the wrist: fractures, sprains, nerve compression
syndrome such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis among others. The step by step 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 orthosis. The dorsal wrist cock-up orthosis is an
alternative method of immobilizing the wrist.
It is useful for patients who still need their palmar surface to be free
for functional tasks. It is extremely
helpful to be familiar with both options so that each patient can be fitted
with the most beneficial orthosis for their individual needs. After viewing the video, it is recommended
that the viewer take material and practice the techniques as outlined, fabricating
all steps of the volar and the dorsal wrist cock-up 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 more practical
knowledge and information for the development of these important skills, with
clear instructions and a great frontal as well as top down view to see exactly
how every step is performed.
Learning Objectives:
Course Outline
●
Introduction: Orthotic Fabrication for the
Wrist
o
Conditions and Diagnoses
o
Types of Orthoses
o
Material Characteristics
o
Wearing Schedules
●
The Volar Wrist Cock- up Orthosis
o
Pattern Making
o
Fabrication and Molding
o
Finishing Steps
●
The Dorsal Wrist Cock- up Orthosis
o
Pattern Making
o
Fabrication and Molding
o
Finishing Steps
●
Tips for Increasing Patient Compliance
(Total: 35 minutes)
●
Post-Course Online Examination
Course Total Credits
Lecture, Video Demonstrations, Online Exam: 1.0
*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?
