Abstract
Orthotic management plays an important role in hand rehabilitation. We have gained some experience in making simple splints and self-help devices for hand impairments and deformities caused by such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral nerve lesions, tendon injuries, fracture, spinal cord injuries, and hemiplegia. The splints have included ulnar deviation splints for rheumatoid hands, finger splints for swan-neck, boutonniere deformities, functional splints for grasp driven by wrist extensions used by patients with C6cervical spinal cord injuries, short opponens splints for positioning the thumb in opposition and maintaining the thumb function, resting splints for night use to maintain a functional hand position. Self-help devices were also made to improve activities of daily living. Self-help devices are effective for relieving pain, preventing and correcting deformities, and improving functions.
