What is upper limb splinting?

Conditions that will benefit from splinting 1. Neurological conditions e.g. cerebral palsy 2. Rheumatoid & juvenile chronic arthritis 3. Hand trauma: tendon & nerve injury 4. Burns 5. Fractures

How does my child get one?

Your childs Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist will discuss referral to our Splint Clinic. You will be asked to sign a contract to ensure your commitment to following the advised guidelines. To make a referral, your therapist will provide detailed information on your childs physical and functional needs and an objective goal to achieve through wearing the splint. You and your child will be invited to attend a Splint Clinic at Thomas Wolsey School, where a detailed assessment of the hand and upper limb will be completed. Splinting options will be discussed with you. (in some cases splinting may not be considered the most appropriate treatment). Splints will be fabricated or ordered. And you will be instructed in how to fit them and care for them. Your childs referring therapist will be informed of any action taken and will be instructed to monitor/review your child at a later date.

A splint is very difficult to define. The most accurate definition is the following:
A device applied to directly and externally to the patients body with the object of supporting, correcting or compensating for an anatomical deformity or weakness, however caused. It may be applied with the additional object of assisting, allowing or restricting movement of the body. (NAROT Clinical Guidelines, 2001)

How does my What type of splint may my child What is u How long will my child need need child need How long will myto have? to wear
There are a vast range of splints on offer. Generally these fall into the following categories. Off-the-shelf splints. Which are commercially available. Individually fabricated functional neoprene splints Individually fabricated resting thermoplastic splints.

Reasons for splinting To immobilise a joint To support a joint To restrict movement To assist movement To prevent contractures To reduce contractures and scar tissue To prevent/minimise deformity To prevent/reduce pain To prevent damage to a joint To increase function To maintain normal muscle function To increase strength To decrease stiffness

How long will my child need to wear it?

This will vary considerably depending on your child, the aims of the splint and the type of splint prescribed. As a general rule: After an initial build-up period, day/ functional splints will be worn on a daily basis for 6-8 hours. Resting splints will be worn throughout the night. In the longer term, some children may benefit from successive splints over a number of years. For others, they are only needed to provide a boost for a shorter time.

For further information, contact your Childs Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service Suffolk Primary Care Trust Thomas Wolsey School 642 Old Norwich Road Ipswich IP1 6LU Tel: 01473 467602

PAEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UPPER LIMB SPLINTING

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Potential Difficulties Potential Benefits

Putting on and taking off Your child may need help to don & doff the splint. Initially it may take time to ensure that the splint is applied properly. You will become quicker with practice. Compliance and motivation is essential to ensure that the desired outcomes are reached.

St Helens House 571 Foxhall Road Ipswich IP38LX Tel: 01473 275530
All Paediatric Occupational Therapists employed by Suffolk PCT are registered with the Health Professions Council

February 2007