The complex structure of the wrist joint allows us to abduct, bend and unbend the hand, make circular movements with it. It is considered the most traumatized part of the human body. In case of its damage and diseases of the articular-ligamentous apparatus of the hand, an orthosis is used for the wrist joint. How is it chosen, and what is its main purpose?
What is an orthosis?
Orthoses are orthopedic devices used to fix and relieve stress on the joints and spine after traumatic injuries and operations. They are also used for certain diseases, as well as as a preventive measure.
By purpose, all orthoses are divided into three groups:
- orthoses for the spine (corsets, splints, collars, reclinators, bandages);
- orthoses for damage to the joints of the upper limbs (elbow pads, shoulder braces, finger braces, wrist orthoses);
- orthoses for fixing the joints of the lower extremities (knee pads,ankles, hip orthoses, orthopedic insoles, shoes and others).
According to the manufacturing method, these devices can be ready-made and individual. The first are factory products. A certain type of such a prosthesis is prescribed to the patient by a doctor. An individual orthosis is made personally for each patient, taking into account its anatomical features and the type of pathology.
Wrist orthoses
The wrist of a person, as the most mobile part of his hand, is quite often damaged. The most common of these are sprains and dislocations. When they are identified, an orthosis is prescribed for the wrist joint to ensure its semi-rigid or light fixation. Outwardly, it resembles a glove that securely fixes the wrist, preventing displacement. Such an orthopedic device restricts movement and, if necessary, completely immobilizes it, which can significantly reduce pain and contribute to faster joint recovery after serious traumatic injuries.
Wrist orthoses are divided into three types:
- Hard, which are used in the rehabilitation period after fractures. Thanks to them, the wrist is fixed completely.
- Semi-rigid, used in rehabilitation after minor injuries.
- Soft, used to prevent possible wrist injuries.
Retainer in case of damage to the joint of the hand is necessarybuy on the recommendation of a doctor. Depending on the type of injury, the specialist will always give advice on what degree of rigidity the orthosis should be chosen for. Soft types are recommended more often when engaging in active and mobile sports or performing certain work, accompanied by a significant load on the wrist. For complete immobilization, rigid types of devices are used, such as the Orlett wrist brace. It resembles a mitt (fingerless glove) with a metal tire and a comfortable tightening that provides the desired level of wrist fixation. The brace is available in sizes S to XL. It is universal and can be used to fully fix both the left and right hand.
The correctness of the choice of size can be checked by trying on an orthosis. Doctors always emphasize the particular importance of the comfort of the retainer. The period of use of the orthosis is also determined by the specialist. It is not recommended to reduce this period without the consent of a specialist. Also, attempts to independently change the design of the device are unacceptable.
Indications for use
An orthosis for the wrist joint is used if there are no such contraindications as acute purulent inflammatory processes, tumors in the area of application of the fixator, diseases in which hyperthermia is unacceptable.
For the wrist joint, light and semi-rigid orthoses with varying degrees of fixation are used in the following cases:
- articular bruises, ligament injuries, hemarthrosis;
- exacerbation of arthrosis;
- rehabilitation period after plaster fixation of the joint, after surgical interventions and injuries;
- in case of damage to peripheral nerves.
Fixation and unloading of the wrist joints are also carried out by wristbands. They are used in the following cases:
- as a complex treatment of osteochondropathy;
- for the treatment of ligament injuries and joint bruises;
- for preventive purposes during excessive stress (physical or sports);
- after joint surgery.
Different designs of rigid orthoses are used for the following indications:
- damage to ligaments and tendons of the joint;
- bruises, dislocations;
- conditions after surgery on the wrist and thumb joints;
- wrist instability;
- rheumatic lesion;
- inflammation of the joint and adjacent soft tissues (myositis, arthritis, tendovaginitis);
- traumatic neuropathies (such as stilloiditis, tunnel syndrome) of peripheral nerves;
- prevention of flexion contractures of the hand;
- increased production and sports loads.
In children with injuries, an orthosis for the wrist joint is also used. A children's fixator, just like in adults, is used as a remedy for diseases and injuries of the joint, and, if necessary, as a preventive measure.
Features of use
Various typesorthoses received good reviews from patients and doctors. They do an excellent job of following all the recommendations of a specialist.
Light orthoses on the wrist in traumatology are used to treat partial damage to ligaments, subluxations, bruises, for preventive purposes, for example, when playing sports, to prevent them. They help eliminate inflammation and pain, reduce the load on the damaged joint. Often they are assigned to people who work a lot at the computer. They often develop wrist joint syndrome due to uncomfortable hand position and excessive stress on the wrist. The reason for this is a pinched nerve and pain.
For more serious injuries, a rigid wrist orthosis is used. Reviews of doctors about various designs of this type of fixator testify to their effectiveness. It is also important that orthoses are universal and comfortable for long-term wear. They are made of elastic material, more often it is aeroprene. Its porous structure consists of air microchambers that do not interfere with air exchange, provide skin breathing and moisture regulation.
The orthosis for the wrist joint has other positive features. It has a compressive effect, often used to relieve swelling in the area of \u200b\u200btrauma to the wrist. Due to the slight compression, the retainer contributes to the removal of fluid that has stagnated in the tissues. Wrist restraint also helps relieve pain.
Easy fixation orthoseshave a warming and massage effect and provide moderate joint compression. They are used for the prevention and treatment of arthrosis and arthritis, bursitis, styloiditis and other inflammations and diseases.
The results of using the orthosis
Unloading and fixing the joint with an orthosis reduces pain. The damaged area is at rest, compression and warming help to accelerate blood circulation and lymph flow, which helps to obtain a positive effect from the treatment.
When displacements, the orthosis is used in complex treatment and helps to eliminate the deformity that has occurred. It is also an excellent prophylactic, as it protects the wrist joint from traumatic injuries and postoperative complications.
However, its effectiveness depends on the right choice, which should be made only together with the doctor after examining the patient. It is the specialist who determines the degree of fixation of the orthosis and the mode of wearing it. The brace is usually worn until the joint is fully restored.
