Hi, everybody! Blake is 9weeks post caps/biceps and I had a quick question!! I emailed Dr. Nath yesterday about his stiff elbow and he said it would be that way for quite some time...he also said we only needed to wear the splint for another 4weeks? I called Angel and she said protocol hasn't changed so I emailed the doctor again and he said "another 4weeks in the splint is the appropriate action in this case". Has anyone else had the doctor tell them to come out of the splint early? It was supposed to be 8/8 and now he has changed it to 8/5? Just wanted to know if we were the only ones, of course we are so excited to get a three week reprieve!! He will have to wear an extension splint after that.
What extension splints have others wore after bicep lengthening? Our OT gave us the choice of a "comfy splint" or a Dynamic splint. Any comments? Personally, I would like him to wear the comfy splint after being in that airplane splint for so long, but I want to do what is best.
Thanks, Crystal S.
post caps splint
-
NancyP
Re: post caps splint
Crystal,
Can't help you with the length of splint as Kelsey is just getting ready for caps. She had bicep lengthening last summer, and her ot just made her a splint with that moldable plastic (not sure what you call it) and some foam on the inside. We just fastened it with some velcro. It covered the area from mid upper arm to mid lower arm. Took about 15 minutes to make, and it was really easy. Kelsey did really well with it and even wore it to school
Can't help you with the length of splint as Kelsey is just getting ready for caps. She had bicep lengthening last summer, and her ot just made her a splint with that moldable plastic (not sure what you call it) and some foam on the inside. We just fastened it with some velcro. It covered the area from mid upper arm to mid lower arm. Took about 15 minutes to make, and it was really easy. Kelsey did really well with it and even wore it to school
Re: post caps splint
Hi, Crystal. This might be a stupid ?, but are you sure Dr. Nath knew how long Blake had been in the splint when he said only 4 more weeks? I would just be absolutely sure. Nicole had the Caps surgery in Dec. and did the full 8/8 in the splint. Believe me, I wouldn't have minded a 3 week reprieve either, but at least it's behind us now. -Tina 
)
)Re: post caps splint
there are many kinds of dynamic splints - I have two of them listed on the splint page
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html
We tried a comfy splint too as a cheaper means of having a dynamic splint and it didn't work out for us.
With the dynasplint and the ultraflex - both let the arm be where it's at and put light pressure (controlled by you) into the joint. You start off with very light pressure and work your way into as your child can tolerate more and until the full extension is achieved.
With the comfy dynamic splint there was no adjustment on the spring itself - so full pressure was ongoing at all times. The only adjustment was to adjust the angle - but full pressure was always on. The therapist and I looked at each other and decided immediately that it wasn't going to work for Maia.
So I would highly suggest a trial basis on a splint so that you can figure out which one would be the best one for your child. Unfortunately the ultraflex has to be custom manufactured BUT the good part about ultraflex is that we haven't seen any complaints on here about it - everyone seems to really like it.
Our PT has also suggested using an air splint at times to just induce a stretch so you might want to question about that concept as well.
good luck,
francine
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html
We tried a comfy splint too as a cheaper means of having a dynamic splint and it didn't work out for us.
With the dynasplint and the ultraflex - both let the arm be where it's at and put light pressure (controlled by you) into the joint. You start off with very light pressure and work your way into as your child can tolerate more and until the full extension is achieved.
With the comfy dynamic splint there was no adjustment on the spring itself - so full pressure was ongoing at all times. The only adjustment was to adjust the angle - but full pressure was always on. The therapist and I looked at each other and decided immediately that it wasn't going to work for Maia.
So I would highly suggest a trial basis on a splint so that you can figure out which one would be the best one for your child. Unfortunately the ultraflex has to be custom manufactured BUT the good part about ultraflex is that we haven't seen any complaints on here about it - everyone seems to really like it.
Our PT has also suggested using an air splint at times to just induce a stretch so you might want to question about that concept as well.
good luck,
francine
-
admin
- Site Admin
- Posts: 19873
- Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:59 pm
Re: post caps splint
Congratulations! So happy to hear things have gone so well. My son Justin (6) had biceps/caps/pec release on 1/22/02. He was told 8/8. He is doing very well with his physical/occupational therapy and has regained tremendous range of motion. Still having some trouble bending the elbow but we have come a long way since surgery. Any other questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck!
Re: post caps splint
We just got the word that we could extend katie's for a few more weeks part time as she is having a lot of shoulder and elbow pain. But I am sure Dr. Nath would not have told you that had he not thought it appropriate. The joints did get stiff and weak and to be honest, the first few weeks of therapy on the elbow was almost intolerable to katie. She bent the elbow fairly often for the first few days after the first 8 but it slacks off more every day since. She hardly ever bends it now unless I physically force her to do so or she cannot get out of it. Very challenging stuff right now!
Keep us posted
christy
Keep us posted
christy
Re: post caps splint
Tina, I thought it was strange, so I double checked with Dr. Nath and told him when surgery was, we just got done with first 8 weeks, etc. and he said 4week would be appropriate at this time. Just wondered if anyone else had the same experience. I'm not telling Blake, in case we decide to keep it on the full 8. Thanks for responding...Crystal S.
Re: post caps splint
crystal - we went for the full 8 weeks (we were not given a choice however) and we are now thinking of giving her some more time because her arm is painful sleeping without it too...
Re: post caps splint
Crystal - about the comfy splint - what I was telling you about last night...well it was specifically about the comfy "dynamic" splint (has a spring in it). I wanted to reiterate that Comfy makes static splints as well and they do look REALLY Comfy! So if you need a static extension splint you should take a look at it.
Just wanted to clarify that!
Just wanted to clarify that!
Re: post caps splint
Francine, the comfy static splint is what the OT showed me, don't know if maybe we'll have her make one or use the comfy splint...I just want him to be comfortable for once. I will email Dr. Nath and ask him if we would need the dynamic splint, the OT mentioned it to us, but I don't know if he will need it since his biceps were just done. Thanks for your help!!
Crystal S.
Crystal S.