Introduction to Upper Extremity Splinting for Function in Pediatrics
2 CE Hours
2 Hours On Demand Webinar
OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs
$30
Course Description
This introductory course will review commonly used upper extremity orthotics in the pediatric population. Participants will explore a variety of commonly used pediatric splints and understand their specific characteristics, indications and functional goals. Participants will understand the components of a thorough assessment to make informed decisions on splint selection.
The course will also review patient and family education, ensuring that caregivers are well-informed and confident in the management and care of the splint. Additionally, it covers application techniques, monitoring and adjustment of splints.
Program Objectives
- Understand pediatric musculoskeletal and hand skill development that impacts approach to splinting.
- Understand components of a comprehensive clinical evaluation and assessment of the child and use this information to guide decision making for orthotic intervention.
- Identify various types of splints commonly used in pediatric care, including their features, customizations, indications, and functional goals.
- Understand additional orthotics beneficial to the pediatric population.
- Demonstrate the knowledge required to properly apply common pediatric splints.
- Beyond initial fitting- understand important aspects for orthotic monitoring and adjustment
- Identify strategies for educating patients and their caregivers about the purpose, use, and care of orthotics.
Participants will be able to
- Recognize typical vs. atypical hand development in children
- Know pros/cons of various UE orthosis/splint designs
- Perform successful assessment for UE orthoses in children
- Identify goals for use of UE orthoses/splints
- Understand benefit of LE/trunk orthoses in children
- Learn to safely don and utilize UE orthoses
- Educate caregivers in need and safe application of UE orthoses
Course Schedule
- Introduction: About this Course, Learning Objectives
- Review of pediatric musculoskeletal and hand skill development that impacts splinting decision making?
- Choosing a Splint: Assessment- Clinical observations, P/AROM, Muscle tone, Posturing/compensatory patterns, Palmar arches, Integrity of skin, bones, and circulatory system, and Sensory systems.
- Choosing a Splint: Considerations- Identifying Goals for Splinting, Child Factors, Wearing Schedule, Support/Stability Needed
- Review of customizable splints commonly used in pediatric care: Splint Features, Descriptions, Options and Modifications
- Review of additional orthotics beneficial to the pediatric population: Elbow immobilizers, Trunk Supports, SWASH brace
- Review of Application Techniques to properly apply common pediatric orthotics
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Monitoring a pediatric patient with orthotics for potential complications; Techniques for splint adjustments to ensure continued fit and effectiveness
- Patient and Caregiver Education
- Additional Information and Tips
Cristina Rojo-Sirico, MSOT, OTR/L, SIPT
