Forearm WHFO Support for use with forearm crutches
Kevin Matthews
Description
Collection
Title:
Forearm WHFO Support for use with forearm crutches
Creator:
Kevin Matthews
Date:
7/1/2008
Text:
I want to thank the list for taking the time to read and respond. We're all busy.
I have a child that I very recently fit with AFO's, post-operatively. She was my first pediatric referral from a local physician I sincerly want to impress. He e-mailed and said he very much liked the fit and design (whew), but had another another request for her.
He said she has never stood up straight (she's 10 and ambulatory) and he wants her to stand up straighter in her forearm crutches. Her problem is hand strength and volitional control (diplegic). He asked me to make splints to assist in stability and control. I almost said no, there's no such thing, but remember, I'd like to impress.
I've never seen such a thing in my 25 plus years, and I've seen a bit. Is there such a design out the that's functional? I'd like your thoughts and also comments on my current line of thinking.
My thought was to make an external frame (dorsal WHFO). I'd take the mold, in the optimal position, over forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers while holding on to crutch (supported). I'd make the support from a flexible plastic to minimize risk of proximal fracture and use a 3/4 wrap. The idea is to provide added support, not rigid support. Does that make sense? Does it sound like it involves risk of significant injury. Is there such an animal out there?
By the way, what flexible prosthetic plastic takes paper transfers? I'll post responses with names unless asked not to. I hope I made you think. Kevin
Kevin C. Matthews, CO/LO
Certified/Licensed Orthotist
Advanced Orthopedic Designs
12315 Judson Rd. Suite 206
San Antonio, TX 78233
Phone: 210-657-8100
Fax: 210-657-8105
www.AdvancedOrthopedicDesigns.com
I have a child that I very recently fit with AFO's, post-operatively. She was my first pediatric referral from a local physician I sincerly want to impress. He e-mailed and said he very much liked the fit and design (whew), but had another another request for her.
He said she has never stood up straight (she's 10 and ambulatory) and he wants her to stand up straighter in her forearm crutches. Her problem is hand strength and volitional control (diplegic). He asked me to make splints to assist in stability and control. I almost said no, there's no such thing, but remember, I'd like to impress.
I've never seen such a thing in my 25 plus years, and I've seen a bit. Is there such a design out the that's functional? I'd like your thoughts and also comments on my current line of thinking.
My thought was to make an external frame (dorsal WHFO). I'd take the mold, in the optimal position, over forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers while holding on to crutch (supported). I'd make the support from a flexible plastic to minimize risk of proximal fracture and use a 3/4 wrap. The idea is to provide added support, not rigid support. Does that make sense? Does it sound like it involves risk of significant injury. Is there such an animal out there?
By the way, what flexible prosthetic plastic takes paper transfers? I'll post responses with names unless asked not to. I hope I made you think. Kevin
Kevin C. Matthews, CO/LO
Certified/Licensed Orthotist
Advanced Orthopedic Designs
12315 Judson Rd. Suite 206
San Antonio, TX 78233
Phone: 210-657-8100
Fax: 210-657-8105
www.AdvancedOrthopedicDesigns.com
Citation
Kevin Matthews, “Forearm WHFO Support for use with forearm crutches,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 7, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/229575.
