AN INNOVATIVE LOW COST ELBOW SPLINT TO INCREASE ELBOW FLEXION ROM- A CASE SERIES.

Vaijanti Jain

Abstract


Background - A large number of heavy metal based or hinges based splints has been devised for elbow which is one of
the important joints in functional tasks. The light weight low cost (250 INR) Niwar splint devised is an innovation to
achieve functional elbow flexion with an aim to achieve a good wearing compatibility.
Aim- To study effectiveness of low cost light weight static progressive niwar splint along with stretching exercises to increase elbow flexion
ROM - case series
Objective- To increase elbow flexion ROM and thus improving functional independence.
Methodology : 3 patients (20-60yrs ), out of which 2 patients with post burn soft tissue elbow contractures and 1 with post humerus fracture
elbow flexion restriction were assessed with goniometery and Disability of arm shoulder and hand outcome measure (DASH). Patients with
ROM between 45-110 degrees without joint fusion were included in the study. Niwar based static progressive splint with regular stretching
exercises were called for twice a week follow up . Gradual increase in splint wearing regime was advised for 8 weeks with final follow up after 1
month.
Results : A regular and supervised Niwar based static progressive splint lead to a Mean increase in elbow flexion by 35degrees and mean
improvement in DASH score was 24.57 .
Conclusion: A low cost light weight niwar based static progressive splint along with stretching exrecises showed a significant increase in elbow
functional flexion ROM and thereby increasing functional independence. The splint even showed a good wearing compatibility and tolerance too.


Keywords


Static progressive, orthoses, elbow, flexion.

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References


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