1. Home
  2. Physical Rehabilitation
  3. Blog
  4. The Volar Wrist Cock-up Orthosis

The Volar Wrist Cock-up Orthosis

What materials are ideal to fabricate a volar based wrist cock-up orthosis?

Objectives

Immobilization of the wrist joint for restriction of motion, pain relief, joint alignment, functional support, and/ or positioning for healing.

 

Pathologies

The most common pathologies of the wrist that benefit from this orthosis include:

  • Fractures
  • Nerve compressions (Carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • Wrist sprains
  • Tendonitis
  • Ganglion cysts
  • Arthritis
  • Post-surgical conditions

Positioning of the wrist varies according to the diagnosis; however, the wrist is usually maintained in either neutral or slight extension. This allows the patient to comfortably perform functional activities with the wrist fully supported and properly positioned.

Material guidelines

The volar wrist cock-up orthosis is ideally fabricated with a thermoplastic material that has a high degree of conformability to ensure a close fit. You can use Orfit Flex NS because of its’ high drape quality, perfect for a well-fitting and comfortable orthosis.

Orfit Flex NS is best applied with the patient’s hand placed in a gravity-eliminated position, which allows the material to drape over the wrist and forearm and thus conform to the anatomy.

If you prefer working with a more elastic material for this orthosis to accommodate remodelling when needed in case of decreasing oedema in the patient’s arm or hand, we recommend one of the following materials.

For larger patients, patients needing very firm support or for patients with increased tone, Orfit Eco and Orfit Eco Black NS will offer more strength and support.

For smaller patients, patients with arthritic conditions or elderly patients, Orfilight, Orfilight Atomic Blue NS and Orfilight Black NS can be used for a lighter weight orthosis that is highly conforming and comfortable.

Orthoses for the wrist are typically fabricated from 3.2mm (1/8”) thick materials. This thickness offers enough rigidity and support for most adult patients. However, for small children and smaller adults, a material of 2.0mm, or 2.4mm (1/12” or 3/32”) thickness may also provide adequate support.

Benefits

  • Protection of the palmar surface.
  • Easy to fabricate.
  • Allows for functional activities using the fingers and thumb.
  • Firm support of the wrist.

Note: Make sure to provide a wide enough strap at the wrist to secure it firmly inside the orthosis.

 

Follow the video below to learn how to fabricate a volar wrist cock-up orthosis.

 

 

Contact us for more product information or find your local distributor here.

 

If you’d like to receive the latest product updates and interesting Orfit news, subscribe to our newsletter: