Thermoformable materials and custom orthoses

Abstract

Hands are a model of excellence in being able to control such a wide variety of movement. This complex mechanism is used both to grab and control objects and things of all sizes in the environment, but also to carry out creative and practical activities. 

 Discomfort and pain lead to a mechanism of self-preservation and protection of the affected segment, and the use of external devices to achieve immobilization was an intuitive human-made thing to do. Thermoplastic is a material that becomes malleable by heating, and the therapist can use it to create orthoses customized to the patient's needs.

 The main advantage of custom orthoses is that they are tailored to each patient's anatomy, they are practically individualized. They can be used both post-operatively and in the conservative treatment of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, synovial cyst, scaphoid fracture, wrist sprains, arthrosis. Their main purposes are immobilization, pain relief, positioning during activities, protection and support, correction of deformities, edema control.

 Hand Therapy is a superspecialization among therapists, being a vast and highly individualized field at international level, and the continuous collaboration between the doctor and the physiotherapist is an essential point in the creation of personalized orthoses.