General Wrist Management

• Splints:

  • what are you trying to achieve
  • is it for immobilisation
  • is it for pain relief
  • do you want to/need to include the thumb
  • is it the radiocarpal joint or radioulnar joint you want to affect
  • is it for day time or night time
• Stiffness post immobilisation:

  • Very common problem
  • Worsens with age, severity of injury, period of immobilisation, co-morbidity
  • Prevention and early mobilization (if possible) is key
  • Oedema management
  • Need to work on passive range as well as active and resisted
  • Wrist extension is essential for function
  • Grip strength requires minimum of 25 degrees, 30 - 45 degrees is optimal
  • Length tension relationship

  
• Rehab ideas:

  • resistance bands
  • theraputty
  • throwing/catching
  • powerball (gyroscope)
  • games: jenga, marbles, darts