The splint itself consists of a metal hoop that covers most of the thumb. The hoop is covered in soft fabric and keeps the injured digit in place. In most Spica Splints, the fabric extends a bit beyond the wrist, and may also contain a metal to immobilize the wrist as well, depending on the type of condition. The downside to this type of splint is that, while it offers excellent support with the thumb stay, it immobilizes the digit in its entirety, compromising the functionality of the injured hand for the time it is worn.
Spicas that don’t offer thumb support are instead called wrist supports or cock-up splints, and are used for different types of injuries such as Boxer’s Fracture, Wrist Sprains, Soft Tissue Injury, Wrist Contracture, and so on.
Tone and Positioning Splint
Tone and Positioning Splint (TAP) is designed for use by people with wrist and forearm injuries or disabilities, which is a form of muscular hypertonicity associated with increased resistance to stretching, increased deep reflexes, diminished superficial reflexes, and weakness. This condition is more common on the flexor muscles of the arms, and the extensors of the legs. Patients that suffer from spasticity often report having to perform great efforts for simple movements and lack of coordination.
The splint consists of a hoop that causes THUMB ABDUCTION. This hoop is covered in a soft yet durable fabric (often neoprene) which fits like a glove on the affected hand. Connected to the glove piece is a long arm strap that is wound up over the patient’s elbow, keeping the palm persistently facing up or down. The splint also creates constant low-level pronation or supination of the forearm, depending on how it is worn.
If worn correctly, this splint causes abduction only of the thumb, while keeping the other digits free to perform any activity.
Thumb Support
Thumb supports consists of a neoprene glove that wraps tightly over the hand and thumb, providing a degree of pressure and support during prolonged physical activity. While not technically a splint, this support can be used both to prevent pain and discomfort from certain movements, and to treat inflammatory conditions on the joints caused by said movements. This glove is ideal for providing support for arthritic and weak wrists during intense sporting sessions or other everyday activities.
Thumb Brace
Thumb braces consists of a malleable metal splint that goes over the thumb, inside of a glove that partially covers half the hand. This design ensures total immobilization of the thumb while also preserving the other fingers’ movements. This medical brace promotes correct positioning of the carpal and thumb joints, while also reducing pain and inflammation caused by use or overexertion of the afflicted hand. Because of this, the thumb brace is ideal to minimize the impact of repetitive thumb movement, physical strains and joint overuse, such as when typing or using a computer mouse, or during certain physical activities.
The thumb brace does not provide Thumb Abduction and is not recommended to treat other, more serious afflictions. However, it is excellent to prevent the onset of certain conditions caused by repetitive movement of the joints.
Push Brace
A new design created to treat injuries or conditions of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint, also known as thumb carpometacarpal, or basal joint, which by chance happens to be the most common site of upper extremity surgery, mostly due to debilitating osteoarthritis caused by old age. The problem with this common affliction is that it diminishes the performance of the affected hand; common complaints from patients who suffer this debilitating disease often remark suffering symptoms such as joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, and instability of the thumb.
The wide array of movements our thumb can perform is solely due to the 7 ligaments that support it. Unlike other joints, the union between the trapezium and the first metacarpal bone offer no stability whatsoever, and depend solely on the aforementioned ligaments to perform all their movements. Osteoarthritis makes it so the ligaments’ efforts are rendered insufficient, and, just like that, movements and actions that were once common become painful and complicated to perform.
Once a person is diagnosed with osteoarthritis (mainly due to age), splints, alongside medical prescriptions, become a mainstay in the preservation of the afflicted hand. And while this condition is not as serious as its rheumatoid cousin, it can still develop into a cumbersome affliction if not treated. The problem with common Spica and other similar splints is, while they certainly improve the symptoms, most of them commonly cause thumb abduction, and compromise the whole hand’s functionality, even more than the condition itself, albeit with less pain and tenderness.
The Push Brace was created specifically to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It provides the same relief that other splints deliver, but without compromising the thumb’s mobility, even during high load activities that would normally trigger the patient’s symptoms. The way it does this is by providing support and preventing excessive motion during physical activities that involve the thumb carpometacarpal joint, thus reducing joint’s inflammation and pain in the process.
The Brace itself consists of a molded thermoplastic polyurethane hoop that fits snugly on the afflicted thumb. A curved aluminum insert is placed inside the brace, right where the thenar eminence is located. After the brace is seated, the aluminum insert around the thenar eminence is tightened, creating a hydraulic environment that stabilizes the thumb, allows for easy movement of the affected digit, and the pressure from the brace relieves the pain from the condition. The hoop containing the aluminum insert is kept in place by a series of double straps that connect to each side of the brace and run inside the hoop itself, which allows for easy application and removal of the splint.
