Wrist and Hand Orthosis, Hand Splints, Ulnar Deviation Correction Splints

What Kind of Wrist and Hand Orthoses are Right for Me?
Hand and wrist orthotics are widely diverse, offering specific support for highly individualized medical and therapeutic needs. It is highly recommended to confer with trained and experienced medical personnel before choosing an orthosis for individual use. Here is some information about some of the basic hand and wrist orthotics and what they are generally used for:

Opponens Orthoses
As an alternative term for opponent or opposing muscles, opponens include any of the several muscles in the hand that enable the thumb to move toward a finger of that same hand. Opponens orthoses can include thumb orthotics comprised of a palmar and dorsal bar encircling the mid-palm, along with a thumb abduction bar; short opponens splints; static thumb splints and opponens orthoses that include wrist control attachments.

Long opponens orthoses tend to include proximal and distal crossbars along with a forearm bar for heightened wrist control, stabilize the first MCP joint, while forearm bars aid in maintaining wrists in extension and help to prevent ulnar and radial deviation deformities. Thumb spica splints are included in this category, and help to further immobilize the thumb area.

Ring Stabilizing Orthoses
Utilizing 'ring' designs, such as the swan neck ring and boutonniere ring, these separate finger orthotics assist in preventing hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP). The swan neck design allows full IP flexion, while the boutonniere design prevents PIP flexion through a 3-point pressure system.

Utensil Holders/Universal Cuff Orthoses
These protective orthotics are generally utilized to protect the hand, wrist and fingers from damage or potential deformity by limiting motion and restricting active function. Pockets are often sewn into these designs for utensils to be inserted into, making it easier for the wearer to eat independently.

Ulnar Deviation Correction Orthoses
Another unique finger orthosis specifically used to limit ulnar deviation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Unless it is contraindicated, MCP flex and extension are kept unrestricted, usually indicated for patients with arthritis who have ulnar deviation occurring at the MCP.

C Bar Splint Orthoses
Also known as thenar web spacer splints, C-bars are generally most often used for median nerve palsy and spasticity.

Resting Hand Splint Orthoses
Generally indicated for post surgery and injury positioning, along with wrist drop and finger flexor tightness, resting hand splints are specifically used for support while sleeping, or when hands are in a non-active and resting position.

Static Hand Splint Orthoses
With the ability to be applied to the volar surface, static wrist-hand-finger orthotics can additionally be dorsally applied, or circumferential. Static orthotics immobilize the fingers, thumb and wrist and extend from the fingertips to 2/3rds of the distal forearm. These special orthoses allow full MCP flexion while they also help maintain the functional position of the hand and wrist, with the hand usually placed with the wrist in a neutral to slight extension, and the fingers in an intrinsic plus position.

Thumb Stabilizer Orthoses
Perfectly suited for patients with tightly adducted thumbs, thumb stabilizers and posts secure the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and MCP joints in a neutral position, protecting and preventing the thumb from any inadvertent motion. Indications for use include arthritis, web space contractures, burns and post-surgical revision of scars.

 From thumb stabilizers to utensil holders to volar and dorsal splints, Rehabmart has got your wrist and hand orthoses needs covered with exceptional product designs from respected manufacturers such as DeRoyal, Comfy Splints, Restorative Care of America, BSN Medical, Bauerfeind, Medline, North Coast Medical and Sammons Preston.

Written by Hulet Smith, OT and Carol Koenigsknecht