United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Does anyone know how to go about looking for a shoulder and elbow/arm brace? Does this have to be specially made or can I get one at a surgical supply store? If you need to get it specially made, where do I start?

Patty

Patty,
It depends on what you need them for. There are some available on the internet, sorry I do not know the web sites, I just remember seeing them. I have all my braces specially made for me and the specific need at the time by my OT. I think that getting an OT would be a good place to start. They would now more on what you would need. My OT is a certified hand therapist so she really knows her stuff about hands and splinting then.
Good luck!
Amy age 18 ROBPI from MN
hope16_05@hotmail.com

There are place on the internet and home hospital supply places where you can purchase braces. Benik (not spelled correctly) has hand braces and straps for suppination. Your best bet is to talk to your OT or PT. They will have the catalogs or will be able to fabricate braces for you. My daughter has a suppination brace we got from a catalog, but the OT had to do the measurments to ensure fit (I am pretty good with anatomy, but wasn't sure where to measure) she also has a thermo plastic brace she wears at night to help straighten her arm (elbow contracture) our OT made this during one of our therapy visits)

You need to find out exactly what's needed from your bpi specialist and then you'll have direction on what to tell your OT. There are numerous kinds of braces and splints but you have to be absolutly certain that you are getting the right kind, that it fits correctly and that you are doing the therapy to back up what the brace/splint is for.

There are many companies that make splints and braces off the shelf and also custom. There is Benik, dyasplint, ultraflex, ark braces and MANY many more. But you need medical direction and a prescription from your specialist.

Check out this site. They make custom braces all across the country. www.ArcPCB.com.

Lauren (Brooke's mom 9 months LOBPI)