Does splints or braces work?

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
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Trinda
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2002 4:36 pm

Does splints or braces work?

Post by Trinda »

My left arm is affected by Erb's palsy and much shorter than my right. I'm not interested in surgery, but have any of you used splints, braces, or had therapy to approve the appearance of your affected arm by making the affected arm look more normal?
Beckyerin
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:06 pm

Re: Does splints or braces work?

Post by Beckyerin »

It depends on what you want to do to look more normal. I read that your left arm is much shorter than your right. I am unaware of any non-surgical way to significantly lenngthen an arm. Surgically I know tendon/muscle release in the shoulder muscles can sometimes increase arm length
I know that some kids and adults will do serial casting to imppove a contracture at the elbow(elbow is stuck in a bent position) and have had success. Its aim is to reduce a bent posture at the elbow.
Of course when in doubt you could see a BPI specialist Dr.(if you have not already seen one) Good luck!
Becky
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hope16_05
Posts: 1670
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2003 11:33 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Location: Minnesota
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Re: Does splints or braces work?

Post by hope16_05 »

I use splints and therapy mainly to increase function and not so much for appearance as I could care less what others think. By gaining function, I have also gained a more "normal" appearance. But again, I use my splints and hterapy for functionality not for cosmetic reasons
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
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