Upper Extremity Orthotics Flashcards

A mallet finger orthosis must position the DIP joint in which position to allow terminal tendon healing?

Answer: Full extension or slight hyperextension

The DIP must be maintained in full extension or 5–10 degrees of hyperextension continuously to allow the terminal extensor tendon to heal without a gap.

Low-temperature thermoplastic materials commonly used for hand and wrist orthoses typically become moldable at which temperature range?

Answer: 60–70°C (140–158°F)

Low-temperature thermoplastics used in upper extremity orthotics soften in water at 60–70°C, allowing direct molding on the patient safely.

In ulnar nerve palsy at the elbow, which fingers demonstrate the most pronounced intrinsic minus (claw) deformity?

Answer: Ring and little fingers

The ulnar nerve innervates the hypothenar muscles and the intrinsics of the ring and little fingers, so those digits show the most pronounced clawing when the nerve is injured.

The 'safe position' (intrinsic plus position) used when immobilizing a hand places the MCP joints at approximately how many degrees of flexion?

Answer: 45–70 degrees

The safe position places the MCPs at 45–70 degrees of flexion to keep the collateral ligaments at maximum stretch, preventing them from shortening into a contracture.

A shoulder abduction (airplane) orthosis is most commonly indicated following:

Answer: Brachial plexus injury or axillary nerve damage

A shoulder abduction orthosis positions the arm away from the body to reduce tension on repaired brachial plexus structures or damaged axillary nerve.

When evaluating fit of a hand-based thumb CMC orthosis, the technician should confirm that:

Answer: The IP joint of the thumb remains free to flex if not included in the design intent

A hand-based CMC orthosis should not inadvertently restrict the thumb IP joint; verifying freedom of that joint confirms appropriate trim lines.

Serial static orthoses used to reduce an elbow flexion contracture are typically remolded or adjusted at what frequency?

Answer: Every 3–7 days

Serial static orthoses for elbow contractures are remolded every 3–7 days to capture and maintain tissue elongation as the contracture progressively reduces.