Hello,
I have never posted her befor so let me introduce myself. My name is Shanda and I have a 16mo. son with a left bpi. He has a contracture in his bicep. His OT
wants to try a hard splint for him to sleep in at night and a supination splint to wear during the day.
I would like to hear from anyone who has tried splinting. Jaden has not required any surgeries yet.
We will be making our second trip to tch 1/24. Thank you for your help!
QUESTION ABOUT SPLINTING
Re: QUESTION ABOUT SPLINTING
Splinting an elbow contracture is usually done with a dynamic splint - this is as splint that has a spring in it that puts pressure into the joint. You start off with a small amount of pressure then you work your way up very slowly. It stretches the tendons that are tight. I've heard that kids use them for 3 months or 6 months or more....
The reason a static splint (a regular hard splint without the spring) won't really work (for a severe contracture) is because you can't put he arm fully in it if it's bent and what are you using to hold the arm in - it will have stretch to it, so the contracture doesn't get the pressure it needs. I hope that makes sense.
If you want to see a picture of dynamic splints check this:
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html
in the middle are two dynamic splints
You are going to TCH soon so they will tell you what to do next. We have found that many of Maia's therapists just didn't understand the nature of her contractures and what needed to be done to shift them. (not saying that everyone's therapist is like this - but that this is what we experienced with many of ours)
good luck and update us when you get back ok?
-francine
The reason a static splint (a regular hard splint without the spring) won't really work (for a severe contracture) is because you can't put he arm fully in it if it's bent and what are you using to hold the arm in - it will have stretch to it, so the contracture doesn't get the pressure it needs. I hope that makes sense.
If you want to see a picture of dynamic splints check this:
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/splints.html
in the middle are two dynamic splints
You are going to TCH soon so they will tell you what to do next. We have found that many of Maia's therapists just didn't understand the nature of her contractures and what needed to be done to shift them. (not saying that everyone's therapist is like this - but that this is what we experienced with many of ours)
good luck and update us when you get back ok?
-francine
Re: QUESTION ABOUT SPLINTING
by the way - how rude of me! Welcome Shanda!!! So glad you posted! hehe join us in chat sometime ok?
it's wednesday nights at 10 pm EST.
-francine
it's wednesday nights at 10 pm EST.
-francine
Re: QUESTION ABOUT SPLINTING
Hi Shandra - my name is Christy and I have a 9 year old (10 next month) with a left arm birth injury. I just wanted to welcome you and say HI and I hope you find the answers you need and some new friends too. Also - when Brittney was younger we tried having her wear a hard splint to sleep in and we didn't have much luck with it - uncomfortable and she'd take it off - but splints are different now so hopefully you'll get one that works for your son. Please excuse Fran's rudeness. (teasing Fran!!) Fran's always helpful.