The use of thermoplastic splints in the reeducation of children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy - 04/12/15
pages | 2 |
Iconographies | 0 |
Vidéos | 0 |
Autres | 0 |
Résumé |
With the advent of the use of thermoplastic splints for the treatment of hand defects in our country, an important factor is addressed, which is the continuous follow-up of children with brachial plexus lesion.
The lack of insurance schemes, the scarcity of rehabilitation centres, poverty in families and ignorance of physiotherapeutic treatment and its outcome, makes the continuous follow-up of children who have had an obstetrical brachial plexus lesion very difficult.
We present a case of a child of six years with a right brachial plexus lesion at the level of C7–T1 whom we consulted at 11 months old and now 6 years old, respectively. The shoulder and the elbow are not greatly affected. The wrist is flexed and this affects the use of the arm. Due to the lack of insurance coverage, little financial viability and the long distance needed to be covered for therapy, he did not pursue physiotherapy.
We decided to make a thermoplastic splint with about 30° extension of the wrist supporting the metacarpals but leaving the MCP free with a little divide of the interdigital space of thumb and index finger. He is coming to therapy twice a week while on vacation but cannot do so when school begins.
After three months, the use of this splint has been successful because it permits the child to use both upper limbs in play. With the splint, he has also been able to pick up a pen and is learning to write with his right hand. He can also play and throw a ball with both hands unlike before. He can employ the mirror effect and strengthen the muscles in daily living. The muscle imbalance, which can be observed because of lack of use of the right arm. He will willingly even though unconsciously carry out his therapy at home while playing. He will not travel distances, pay more sessions of therapy than they can afford. His parents will be his first therapist and himself.
In our milieu, therefore it is important to learn and properly apply this method since most children who need to continue therapy for long have financial difficulties.
This evolution will satisfy both patient and therapist at lower cost and ensure proper social inclusion.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Plan
Vol 34 - N° 6
P. 393-394 - décembre 2015 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’achat d’article à l’unité est indisponible à l’heure actuelle.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?