Introduction to Orthoses (Hummelstown, PA)
Course Description
This two-day course is designed to provide the non-specialist, as well as those new to the hand therapy specialty, with the skills and knowledge necessary to select, design and fabricate a variety of static orthoses commonly used in the treatment of hand therapy conditions. Mechanical principles, materials and handling characteristics will be reviewed, and clinical reasoning used to determine decision-making used in orthosis fabrication. During the lab portion, the therapist will apply the basic skills needed to fabricate static orthoses used in hand therapy practice. L-code identifiers will also be reviewed in this course.
Course Objectives
- Identify three different anatomical landmarks and appropriate fabrication considerations to ensure proper fit in a variety of orthoses
- Describe three mechanical principles used to ensure proper fit and orthosis effectiveness for a variety of orthoses
- Using industry terminology, describe the similarities and differences in handling characteristics of the variety of presented materials that influence the decisions made in orthosis fabrication
- Identify precautions, contraindications, safety measures, and tool selection in orthosis fabrication
- Design appropriate orthosis wear schedules and follow-up care considerations for various conditions
- Apply clinical reasoning to properly fabricate the following finger, hand, forearm, and elbow based orthoses: Wrist immobilization, long and short thumb spica, ulnar gutter, trigger finger, and finger gutter
- Identify alternative prefabricated orthosis options for a variety of upper extremity conditions
- Select appropriate time-based and service-based L-codes for orthoses to bill appropriately
- Independently design an orthosis, given a case study, that addresses a wrist/thumb condition (DeQuervains)
General Schedule
Day 1
- 8:00 Review of Course Objectives
- 8:30 Goals of Orthosis Fabrication
- 9:00 Lab – Review of orthosis equipment, supplies, and materials
- 9:45 BREAK for self-reflection
- 10:00 Fundamentals of Orthosis Fabrication
- Anatomical considerations
- Tissue healing
- Mechanical principles
- Orthotic fabrication process
- 10:30 Lab – Posterior Elbow Orthosis (aka “Long Arm Splint”)
- 12:00 Lunch
- 12:45 Wrist Immobilization Orthoses – Indications
- 1:00 Lab – Wrist Immobilization Orthosis – Forearm-based
- 2:15 Ulnar Gutter Orthoses – Indications
- 2:30 Lab – Ulnar Gutter Orthosis – Forearm-based
- 3:45 BREAK for self reflection
- 4:00 Question and Answer / Wrap Up for the Day
- 5:00 Adjourn
Day 2
- 8:00 Review/Questions from Day 1
- 8:30 Thumb Spica Orthoses – Indications
- 9:00 Lab – Thumb Spica Orthosis – hand-based variations
- 10:15 BREAK for self-reflection
- 10:30 Lab – Thumb Spica Orthosis – forearm-based variations
- 12:00 LUNCH
- 1:00 Finger Based Orthoses – indications
- 1:30 Lab – Finger Based Orthoses
- 2:00 Lab – Trigger Finger Orthoses
- 2:45 BREAK for self-reflection
- 3:00 Lab – Tips and Tricks Using Strapping
- Composite Flexion Cuff
- MP/PIP flexion strap
- Tadpole Technique
- 4:00 Case Studies, learner reflection time and Question and Anwers
- 4:30 Adjourn
Price Per Seat
$595.00
Date & Time
Start: Oct. 7, 2023 (8:00am)
End: Oct. 8, 2023 (5:30pm)
Drayer Physical Therapy - Corporate Office
8205 Presidents Dr.
Suite 640
Hummelstown, PA 17036
Get Directions
Course Hours
16
CEUs
16