Design and fabrication of the radial and ulnar wrist articulating control orthoses.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case series.

INTRODUCTION

Pain and injury at the radial and ulnar aspects of the wrist due to overuse or trauma are commonly treated in hand therapy clinics.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: Describe two orthoses that allow targeted rest and recovery of involved anatomical structure(s) while preserving function of surrounding uninvolved structures in patients who have sustained overuse or traumatic injury at the radial or ulnar aspect of the wrist.

METHODS

Outline the fabrication of the Ulnar-Wrist Articulating Control Orthosis (U-WACO) and Radial-Wrist Articulating Control Orthosis (R-WACO) as well as presents case examples for each orthosis.

RESULTS

The U-WACO and R-WACO designs may improve comfort, compliance, and functional ability to complete daily tasks while allowing targeted rest and recovery of involved anatomical structure(s) at the radial and ulnar aspects of the wrist due to overuse or trauma.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic orthoses that allow for movement in one plane while restricting movement in another may overcome the shortcomings of some static orthotic designs.