What Are Pediatric Wrist, Hand, Finger Orthoses?
Orthotic devices crafted from soft, breathable materials combined with strategic support elements—such as stays and adjustable straps—to immobilize or position the wrist, hand, fingers, or thumb while allowing unaffected motion in others.
How They Work
- Provide gentle, consistent positioning to encourage proper healing and alignment
- Help prevent soft tissue contractures and manage muscle tone differences
- Enable functional motion where appropriate, supporting motor development in therapeutic contexts
Orthosis Types & Applications
- Glove‑style hand splints for aligning fingers and wrist during growth or healing
- Wrist support splints with stays to stabilize sprains, fractures, or juvenile arthritis
- Thumb abduction splints to promote proper thumb alignment
- Custom thermoplastic splints shaped for individual needs across joints (e.g. for spasticity, contracture, or injury)
Recommended Use & Instruction
- Certain glove‑style splints are donned like a sleeve, with care taken to align openings and secure with velcro closures without restricting circulation
- Support splints are molded to match anatomical contours and secured with adjustable straps above and below the wrist
- Instructions include guidance on wear time and proper positioning to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and comfort
Clinical Applications
- Fractures of the wrist, hand, or thumb
- Spasticity or neuromuscular tone issues (e.g. cerebral palsy)
- Post-operative support or immobilization needs