The Use of Dynamic Assist Orthosis for Muscle Reeducation following Brachial Plexus Injury and Reconstruction

Shrikant J. Chinchalkar; Juliana Larocerie-Salgado; Jeremy Cepek; Marie-Lyne Grenier

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1642068

Journal of Hand and Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Hand Microsurg 2018; 10(03): 172-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642068

Ideas and Innovations

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

The Use of Dynamic Assist Orthosis for Muscle Reeducation following Brachial Plexus Injury and Reconstruction

Authors

Shrikant J. Chinchalkar

¹Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
Juliana Larocerie-Salgado

¹Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
Jeremy Cepek

²Schullic School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Marie-Lyne Grenier

³Faculty Lecturer, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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.

Keywords

brachial plexus injury - reconstructive nerve surgery - dynamic orthosis

Full Text

References

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