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DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642068
The Use of Dynamic Assist Orthosis for Muscle Reeducation following Brachial Plexus Injury and Reconstruction
Publication History
Received: 14 June 2017
Accepted after revision: 07 March 2018
Publication Date:
25 April 2018 (online)
Abstract
Therapeutic management of brachial plexus injuries remains complex. The impact of brachial plexus injuries on everyday human functioning should not be underestimated. Early active-assisted range of motion following such injuries may prevent myostatic contractures, minimize muscle atrophy, facilitate muscle fiber recruitment, and enable a faster return to baseline strength levels. The dynamic assist elbow flexion orthosis proposed is designed to provide patients with a graded system for muscle reeducation and function. No clinical data are currently available on the use of this orthosis design; however, this article presents a treatment option based on sound clinical reasoning to facilitate rehabilitation following this devastating injury.