This lecture/lab workshop is for the beginner-intermediate level orthosis fabricator (splinter) (OT, PT, COTA, PTA) who would like to improve their static/immobilization orthosis fabrication (splinting) skills, and increase their knowledge of clinical application. The participant will successfully experience a variety of thermoplastics of different thickness and characteristics. They will learn to design patterns and fabricate hand and forearm based orthoses (splints) within a highly intensive, but relaxed teaching environment. Student to faculty ratio is maximum of 6 students to 1 instructor.
LECTURES
- Functional Anatomy
- Splinting principles and biomechanics
- Splinting precautions and clinical applications
- Analysis of thermoplastic characteristics
- Principles of immobilization
- Custom vs. precut patterns
- Strapping and padding choices
LABS / DEMONSTRATIONS
- Tools, materials, application of orthosis fabrication (splinting) principles
- Design and pattern-making
- Wrist immobilization orthosis (splint)
- Thumb immobilization orthosis (splint)
- Hand immobilization orthosis (splint)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Identify surface/functional anatomy and considerations crucial to orthotic fabrication (splinting) the hand
- Describe principles of mechanics specific to immobilization orthotic fabrication (splinting)
- Describe pre-fabrication considerations related to patient’s functional/physical needs
- Identify 6 characteristics of thermoplastics and the clinical applications
- Demonstrate correct use of padding and strapping
- Design and fabricate wrist, thumb and hand immobilization orthoses (splints)
- Evaluate and describe the correct fit, clinical applications and effectiveness of each orthosis (splint)
COURSE SCHEDULE
8:30-10:30 Lecture
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12 noon Fabrication of Wrist orthosis (splint)
Lunch on your own
1-3 Fabrication of Hand orthosis (splint)
3-3:15 Break
3:15-5:00 Fabrication of Thumb orthosis (splint) and Q&A
STATE APPROVALS:
7 hours approved by CA OT Board
7 hours approved by CA OT for Advanced Practice in hand therapy (#12-H7)
7 hours CA PT Board
Approval pending by the Nevada State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for .75 CE Units
CONTACT HOURS: 7