Fabrication of the external rotation abduction thermoplastic shoulder orthosis for infants and children with birth-related brachial plexus injuries

Birth-related brachial plexus injuries occur between 0.5 and 5.8 per 1000 live births worldwide.1 During early life, secondary deformities of the shoulder develop due to muscle imbalances that create functional consequences despite expected neurological improvements.2 Orthosis fabrication with the shoulder in external rotation and abduction allows for secondary releases and soft tissue lengthening for infants with fixed glenohumeral joint contractures undergoing primary nerve surgery, while removing any tension on the transferred or grafted nerves.
Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Source Type: research