Orthotics story.

Orthotics class was never failed to create joyful and excited atmosphere. This is the second time I'm attending the Orthotics and Pressure Garments class - this subject didn't get credit exemption. Perhaps the people inside the class is different. For me its different; because none of them are from the same diploma group as me.

Although its distract and disappoint me a little but life must go on. Haha. 

*blinking eyes laju-laju

Well OT's, let's refresh our memories about splint. Splint was used mainly to correct positioning. There are many designs of splint and the used of splint vary depending on the client's condition and how the splint can support their improvement. 

In simple way, splint can be categorized into 4 categories:-

i.  Static splint - for positioning purpose, hold in one position.

ii. Static progressive - static splint yet can increase progressively.

iii. Serial static - serial but no moving parts, focus on positioning sometimes ROM.

iv. Dynamic splint - using mechanical movement for moving parts.

My first lab session for this semester required us to make one example of static splint for leg (LL) and hand (UL). Let's review our piece of art.

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) 

to control the position and motion of the ankle

You may  saw all the AFO above are 'bigger in size', but don't be surprise, it also can be used to babies usually for clubfoot/CTEV or even childrens and old folks to support fracture healing. The unique of this thermoplastic materials, it can be mold into your size. Done with the leg parts. Let's see the design for hand.

Cock-up/Resting/Night Splint

to restrict the movement of wrist but maintain/free the movement of fingers 

This pattern of splint usually used to reduce the pain suffered by the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome client. So it helps to restrict the movement of wrist and free the stress on the carpal tunnel. The best things of this orthosis materials is it wasn't permanent and can be took off at the suggested interval of times. Interesting right? Well this is just the introduction of basic static splint, I'll try to show you more next week!