OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Orthopaedic Appliances and Bracing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) position is recommended for immobilizing the wrist after a distal radius fracture to prevent redisplacement?
- 20-30° flexion with ulnar deviation
- Neutral position
- 10-20° extension with slight ulnar deviation (Correct answer)
- Full pronation with neutral wrist
Correct answer: 10-20° extension with slight ulnar deviation
A position of 10-20° wrist extension with slight ulnar deviation maintains fracture reduction while preventing the deforming forces that caused the original displacement.
Question 2: A patient recovering from an ACL reconstruction is prescribed a rehabilitative knee orthosis. At what flexion angle is the hinge typically locked in the early postoperative phase to protect the graft?
- 0° (full extension) (Correct answer)
- 30° flexion
- 45° flexion
- 60° flexion
Correct answer: 0° (full extension)
The knee is locked in full extension (0°) initially to protect the ACL graft and surgical repair from anterior tibial translation forces during early healing.
Question 3: Which of the following is a hallmark feature of a dynamic orthosis compared to a static orthosis?
- It uses rigid thermoplastic materials exclusively
- It incorporates springs or elastic components to assist or resist motion (Correct answer)
- It is designed only for the upper extremity
- It requires custom fabrication from plaster impressions
Correct answer: It incorporates springs or elastic components to assist or resist motion
Dynamic orthoses incorporate elastic, spring, or mechanical components that provide a mobilizing force to assist weak muscles or correct soft tissue contractures.
Question 4: When measuring for a cervical collar, which dimension is most critical for determining proper collar height?
- Head circumference
- Chin-to-chest distance
- Tragus-to-chin distance (Correct answer)
- Neck circumference at the thyroid
Correct answer: Tragus-to-chin distance
The tragus-to-chin distance corresponds to the vertical height of the neck and determines the appropriate collar height to maintain neutral cervical alignment.
Question 5: A Boston brace is distinguished from a Milwaukee brace primarily by the absence of which component?
- Pelvic girdle
- Posterior panel
- Cervical superstructure (Correct answer)
- Thoracic pads
Correct answer: Cervical superstructure
The Boston brace is a thoracolumbosacral orthosis with no cervical component, making it appropriate for curves with an apex at T8 or below.
Question 6: For a patient with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain requiring a functional knee brace, which hinge design provides optimal valgus stress protection?
- Polycentric hinge
- Single-axis hinge with varus-valgus stops (Correct answer)
- Drop-lock ring hinge
- Offset single-axis hinge
Correct answer: Single-axis hinge with varus-valgus stops
A single-axis hinge with varus-valgus stops directly limits the abnormal medial or lateral stress that aggravates ligament injuries.
Question 7: Which padding material is most commonly placed at bony prominences under a fiberglass cast to prevent pressure ulcer formation?
- Moleskin
- Stockinette only
- Webril cotton padding (Correct answer)
- Silicone gel sheet
Correct answer: Webril cotton padding
Webril cotton padding (cast padding) is applied over stockinette to provide uniform cushioning at bony prominences and reduce pressure sore risk under casts.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Orthopaedic Appliances and Bracing 3
Which wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) position is recommended for immobilizing the wrist after a distal radius fracture to prevent redisplacement?