Upper Extremity Orthotics Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a wrist cock-up orthosis?

Answer: To stabilize the wrist in extension while allowing finger movement

A wrist cock-up orthosis holds the wrist in a functional extended position while leaving the fingers free for use.

In a standard resting hand orthosis, what is the recommended wrist position?

Answer: 10–20 degrees of extension

A resting hand orthosis places the wrist in 10–20 degrees of extension to maintain a functional resting posture and prevent contracture.

Boutonnière deformity is characterized by which combination of joint positions?

Answer: PIP joint flexion and DIP joint hyperextension

Boutonnière deformity involves PIP flexion and DIP hyperextension due to a central slip rupture allowing the lateral bands to migrate volarly.

Which nerve injury would most likely require a low-profile dynamic MCP extension orthosis?

Answer: Radial nerve injury at the spiral groove

Radial nerve injury at the spiral groove causes wrist drop and loss of MCP extension, requiring a dynamic orthosis to restore that function.

A thumb spica orthosis is a primary conservative treatment for which condition?

Answer: De Quervain's tenosynovitis

A thumb spica orthosis immobilizes the first CMC and MCP joints to rest the inflamed tendons in De Quervain's tenosynovitis.

The Kleinert protocol for flexor tendon repair uses which type of orthosis?

Answer: Dorsal blocking orthosis with rubber band traction

The Kleinert protocol uses a dorsal blocking orthosis with rubber band traction that passively flexes the fingers while allowing active extension within the safe zone.

Which measurement is most important when sizing a prefabricated wrist orthosis?

Answer: Wrist circumference

Wrist circumference is the primary sizing parameter used by most prefabricated orthosis manufacturers to ensure proper fit and support.