Manufacture of low-temperature thermoplastic orthotics for functional hand orthoses
With the development of rehabilitation medicine, as well as the increasing changes and technological breakthroughs in modern materials science and biomechanics, the development, manufacturing and configuration of low-temperature thermoplastic orthotics have made great progress. Compared with plaster fixation, it has more advantages, such as more convenient to wear, light weight, good air permeability, fast solidification, convenient disassembly, and easy cleaning. Therefore, for disabled people with limb dysfunction caused by diseases of the nervous, muscular, and skeletal movement systems, the application of low-temperature thermoplastic orthotics is becoming more and more widespread.
In the application of low-temperature thermoplastic orthoses for upper limbs, hand function position orthoses are the preferred type of hand orthoses for many diseases and traumas. For example, it can be used for patients with peripheral nerve paralysis, flaccid or spastic paralysis, mild wrist fractures, wrist instability, tendon injuries, wrist contractures, wrist burns (scalds), etc. Next, let's take a look at its production process.
1. Take paper samples of limbs
① Based on the outline of the limb, enlarge the size of the outline. Generally, the length of the limb circumference is widened on both sides of the limb outline by 1/4, and the palm is widened by 1/2 of its thickness.
② Use the body surface projections of limb joints, bony protrusions, and skin lines to locate on the contour map and make marks.
③Determine the length of the outline drawing, usually: the length from the middle finger to the transverse wrist crease and the length of the forearm are 1:1.
2. Cut the plate and heat it for shaping
① First, use strong cutting shears to complete the board, and then put it into a constant temperature water tank set at 70°C for heating and softening. It usually takes 2 to 3 minutes to completely soften.
② Then take out the softened plate and dry it with a towel. The patient takes a sitting or lying position, puts a spandex gauze cover on the affected limb, and places the limb in a functional position (the forearm is in a semi-pronated position, the dorsal wrist is extended 20°~25°, and the ulnar deviation is about 10°; the thumb is fully palmed) Lateral abduction, slight flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints, in the opposite palm position; the other 4 fingers are separated, and the degree of flexion of each joint is different) Take it off after cooling. Then trim the semi-finished product until it fits perfectly.
3. Accessories installation
Take an appropriate amount of Velcro, including the suede and the hook surface. The hook surface has its own adhesive backing, and it is directly attached to the orthosis, and the orthosis is fixed on the limb with the suede surface.
After the orthosis is made, patients and their families should be instructed on the correct way to put it on and take off. Excessive pressure from the orthosis will affect the blood circulation of the limbs. The limbs should be observed for swelling and skin color abnormalities at any time. Especially in the first 2 days of the initial installation, you should pay more attention to it. You can gradually increase the wearing time, and review it within 1 month after wearing it. Orthotics should be replaced at any time when they do not fit the limb size.
