This two-day course is designed to provide the non-specialist, as well as those new to the hand therapy specialty, with the skills and knowledge necessary to select, design and fabricate a variety of static orthoses commonly used in the treatment of hand therapy conditions. Mechanical principles, materials and handling characteristics will be reviewed, and clinical reasoning used to determine decision-making used in orthosis fabrication. During the lab portion, the therapist will apply the basic skills needed to fabricate static orthoses used in hand therapy practice. L-code identifiers will also be reviewed in this course.
Course Objectives
Identify three different anatomical landmarks and appropriate fabrication considerations to ensure proper fit in a variety of orthoses
Describe three mechanical principles used to ensure proper fit and orthosis effectiveness for a variety of orthoses
Using industry terminology, describe the similarities and differences in handling characteristics of the variety of presented materials that influence the decisions made in orthosis fabrication
Identify precautions, contraindications, safety measures, and tool selection in orthosis fabrication
Design appropriate orthosis wear schedules and follow-up care considerations for various conditions
Apply clinical reasoning to properly fabricate the following finger, hand, forearm, and elbow based orthoses: Wrist immobilization, long and short thumb spica, ulnar gutter, trigger finger, and finger gutter
Identify alternative prefabricated orthosis options for a variety of upper extremity conditions
Select appropriate time-based and service-based L-codes for orthoses to bill appropriately
Independently design an orthosis, given a case study, that addresses a wrist/thumb condition (DeQuervains)
General Schedule
Day 1
8:00 Review of Course Objectives
8:30 Goals of Orthosis Fabrication
9:00 Lab – Review of orthosis equipment, supplies, and materials
9:45 BREAK for self-reflection
10:00 Fundamentals of Orthosis Fabrication
Anatomical considerations
Tissue healing
Mechanical principles
Orthotic fabrication process
10:30 Lab – Posterior Elbow Orthosis (aka “Long Arm Splint”)