The complex structure of the wrist joint allows us to deflect, bend and unbend the brush, make circular movements with it. It is considered the most injured part of the human body. In case of damage and diseases of the joint-ligamentous apparatus of the hand, an orthosis on the wrist joint is used. How is he chosen, and what is his main purpose?
What is an orthosis?
Orthoses include orthopedic appliances used to fix and relieve stress on the joints and spine after traumatic injuries and operations. They are used for certain diseases, as well as for prevention.
By appointment, all orthoses are divided into three groups:
- orthoses for the spine (corsets, collar tires, declinators, bandages);
- orthoses for damage to the joints of the upper extremities (elbow pieces, shoulder braces, finger braces, wrist orthoses);
- orthoses for fixing joints of the lower extremities (kneecaps, ankles, hip orthoses, orthopedic insoles, shoes and others).
According to the manufacturing method, these devices can be ready-made and individual. The former are manufactured goods. A certain type of prosthesis is prescribed by the doctor. An individual orthosis is made individually for each patient, while 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 on the wrist joint is prescribed to ensure its semi-rigid or easy fixation. Outwardly, it resembles a glove that securely fixes the wrist, avoiding displacement. Such an orthopedic device restricts movement, and if necessary completely immobilizes it, which can significantly reduce pain and contributes to a faster restoration of the joint after serious traumatic injuries.
Orthoses for the wrist joints are divided into three types:
- Hard , which are used in the rehabilitation period after fractures. Thanks to them, the wrist is fully fixed.
- Semi-rigid , used in rehabilitation after minor injuries.
- Soft , used to prevent the occurrence of possible wrist injuries.
The latch for damage to the joints of the hand must be bought on the recommendation of a doctor. Depending on the type of injury, the specialist will always give advice on what degree of rigidity the brace needs to be selected. Mild types are recommended more often when practicing active and outdoor 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 orthosis. It resembles a mitten (a glove without fingers) with a metal tire and a convenient tightening that provides the desired level of fixation of the wrist. The orthosis is available in sizes from S to XL. It is universal and can be used for complete fixation of both left and right hands.
The correct choice of size can be checked by trying on an orthosis. Doctors always emphasize the particular importance of the convenience of a retainer. The term of use of the orthosis is also established by a specialist. It is not recommended to shorten this period without agreement with a specialist. Also unacceptable attempts of independent changes in the design of the device.
Indications for use
An orthosis on the wrist joint is used if there are no contraindications such as acute purulent inflammatory processes, tumors in the area of application of the fixative, 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:
- joint injuries, damage to ligaments, hemarthrosis;
- exacerbation of arthrosis;
- rehabilitation period after plaster fixation of the joint, after surgical interventions and injuries;
- with damage to the peripheral nerves.
Wrist joints are also fixed and unloaded by the wristbands. They are used in the following cases:
- as a complex treatment of osteochondropathy;
- for the treatment of damage to ligaments and bruises of the joint;
- as a preventive measure in case of excessive loads (physical or sports);
- after surgery on the joint.
Various designs of rigid orthoses are used for the following indications:
- damage to the ligaments and tendons of the joint;
- bruises, dislocations;
- conditions after surgery on the wrist joint and joints of the thumb;
- wrist instability;
- rheumatic fever;
- inflammation of the joint and adjacent soft tissues (myositis, arthritis, tendovaginitis);
- traumatic neuropathies (such as styloiditis, tunnel syndrome) of peripheral nerves;
- prevention of flexion contractures of the brush;
- increased production and sports loads.
In children with injuries, an orthosis on the wrist joint is also used. Children's fixator, as well as in adults, is used as a therapeutic agent for diseases and injuries of the joint, and, if necessary, as a prophylaxis.
Features of use
Different types of orthoses have received good reviews from patients and doctors. They do their job perfectly when fulfilling all the recommendations of a specialist.
Light wrist orthoses in traumatology are used to treat partial damage to ligaments, subluxations, bruises, for preventive purposes, for example, during 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 show wrist syndrome due to the uncomfortable position of the hand and excessive stress on the wrist. The reason for this is a pinched nerve and the occurrence of pain.
For more serious injuries, a rigid wrist orthosis is used. Reviews of doctors about various designs of this type of fixative testify to their effectiveness. It is also important that the orthoses are universal and comfortable for prolonged wear. They are made of elastic material, most often it is an airport. Its porous structure consists of air microchambers, which do not interfere with air exchange, provide skin respiration and regulation of its moisture.
Orthosis on the wrist joint is also distinguished by other positive features. It has a compression effect, it is often used to relieve swelling in the area of wrist injury. Due to its light compression, the fixative promotes the withdrawal of fluid stagnant in the tissues. Fixing the wrist also helps relieve pain.
Orthoses easy fixation have a warming and massage effect and provide moderate compression of the joint. They are used to prevent and treat 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 contribute to the acceleration of blood circulation and lymph flow, which contributes to the positive effect of treatment.
With displacements, the orthosis is used in complex treatment and helps to eliminate the resulting strain. 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 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. Usually, the fixative is worn until the joint is completely restored.