Blog

November 20, 2018

What Does Your Patient Think About Their Orthosis?

Before fabrication of any orthosis, therapists must have a clear understanding of the involved anatomy, how the diagnosis affects the anatomy and what the prescribed orthosis can do to alleviate pain and/or assist in the healing process. The patient’s preferences for coloured materials and/or straps, perforated materials or solid materials, designs and/or decorations should also be taken into consideration. However, this might not even be enough.

November 7, 2018

The Peripheral Nerves: A Quick Assessment of Nerve Functioning or “Rock, Paper, Scissors!”

Here is a creative method to assess nerve functioning in the hand and some ideas for orthotic interventions. Using the universally known children’s game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”, one can assess the nerve functioning of the three peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. 1) Median Nerve:…

October 22, 2018

The Circumferential Wrist Orthosis

Immobilization of the wrist joint for restriction of motion, pain relief, joint alignment, functional support, and/or positioning for healing. A variety of acute and painful wrist and hand pathologies may require immobilization with a circumferential wrist immobilization orthosis.

October 19, 2018

Orthotic Fabrication for Musicians

Keep the Music Playing!

Musicians may experience different types of repetitive strain or overuse injuries. Some may even have to stop playing their beloved instrument due to these issues. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which therapists can help musicians. They can provide custom orthoses which may be very beneficial to both professional and amateur music makers.

October 5, 2018

Orthoses for Regaining PIP Joint Extension

A study on the effectiveness of different custom-made orthoses for regaining PIP joint extension

The PIP joint active motion can be affected by any trauma that occurs to the surrounding tissues. A recent systematic review published in the Journal of Hand Therapy has examined the effectiveness of different orthoses for regaining this full PIP joint extension.

September 6, 2018

Orthoses for Trigger Finger

A New Study on Different Orthotic Designs

A recent study published in the Journal of Hand Therapy reports on the use of two different designs for trigger finger orthoses.

August 31, 2018

Taped on orthoses for athletes

Low-profile orthoses for returning to sport after thumb or finger injuries.

How to easily fabricate low-profile orthoses to be taped on when athletes return to their sport after thumb and finger injuries.

August 17, 2018

How to make modifications with thermoplastic materials to make everyday tasks easier.

The art of adapting

Therapists look for ways to help their patients maintain independence in activities of daily living. Adaptive equipment are devices that are used to assist with completing self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding. Adaptive devices might also enable patients to pursue their favourite leisure activities. Sometimes, all that is…

May 17, 2018

Orthotic Intervention for the Elderly Patient

Orthotic interventions can benefit our elderly patients by protecting sore and inflamed joints, providing stability and support, correcting and/ or preventing contractures, and offering relief from pain.

March 8, 2018

Orthotic fabrication for Congenital Malformations

Congenital malformation of upper extremities may affect an individual throughout the course of his or her life. Specific hand anomalies need early expert care to correct and/or prevent deformities, and allow for the development of independent hand function. Therapists play an important role in evaluation and treatment, before, during and after, any surgical interventions that may be necessary.

February 20, 2018

The Volar Wrist Cock-up Orthosis

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

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

January 30, 2018

Anti-Swan Neck Orthosis

Here is an example of how a simply designed orthosis can have an incredible impact on improved functionality for the patient with a hyperextension deformity of the PIP joint, known as a swan neck deformity. The typical posture of this deformity is PIP hyperextension and DIP flexion.

January 15, 2018

Top 3 Orfit Splinting Blogposts of 2017

To kick off the New Year we take a look at our most read blogposts of 2017. We can conclude you like to read our tips and tricks for working with Orfit thermoplastic materials and discover different ways to make rehabilitation more pleasant for your patients. More of this in…

January 12, 2018

Post-operative orthosis for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

MCP Arthroplasty Surgery

Patients with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis may have significant ulnar drift of the digits which greatly interferes with their day-to-day activities. MCP arthroplasty is a procedure that may help realign the fingers to allow for improved function. Post-operatively the MCP joints are positioned in extension for about two weeks before any active therapy program begins.

December 7, 2017

12 Tips and Tricks for Working with Orficast

Positioning for Immobilization in Orthotic Management

Specific positioning of safe immobilization for every joint.

There is a specific position of safe immobilization for every joint that requires careful consideration. Immobilization in a different position can lead to contractures, stiffness, limited range of motion and inadequate healing.

October 18, 2017

Creating “Exercise Mazes” with Orfit Thermoplastic Materials

To gain motion in stiff joints.

How to create a simple orthosis, geared at movement, using a reshaped and embedded paper clip and a small (thermoplastic) or store bought bead.

August 25, 2017

Radial Based MCP Joint Orthosis for UCL Repair

Immobilization of the partially torn or repaired ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.

A recently published biomechanical study in the Journal of Hand Therapy looks at immobilization of the partially torn or repaired ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.

August 4, 2017

Joint hypermobility managed with Orthoses

A more-than-normal range of movement (ROM) in a joint.

This can be localized to a specific joint, or generalized throughout the joints of the body.

May 31, 2017

Participate in Hand Therapy Week – June 5-11, 2017

The week of June 5-11, 2017 has been designated as Hand Therapy Week by the American Society of Hand Therapy to help promote the profession and support the hand therapists who work hard to improve their clients’ daily lives.

May 20, 2017

Orthotic Options for Stiff and Limited Wrist Motion

The ‘Dinosaur Orthosis’: An Orthosis for Static Progressive or Dynamic Wrist Flexion and Extension. Recently the Practice Forum of The Journal of Hand Therapy featured the orthotic design, the “Dinosaur” orthosis. This is a static progressive or dynamic orthosis for patients with limitations in wrist flexion or extension.

May 18, 2017

Orficast More, Our Newest Innovative Material

Designed to make your orthotic fabrications easier

Orficast More is the newest addition to our line of innovative and creative thermoplastic materials, all designed to make your task of orthotic fabrication easier. We created a thicker version of our knitted hybrid material, Orficast, with extra thermoplastic fibres that offer increased rigidity and a longer working time. The…

May 16, 2017

Using Orfit Thermoplastics to Manage Extensor Tendon Post-Operative Protocols

By Debby Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT - Physical Rehabilitation Product and Educational Specialist

A recent systematic review by Wong et al, in the Journal of Hand Therapy, examined the best orthosis and protocol for the management of post-operative extensor tendons in Zones IV- VIII. (Wong, A. L., Wilson, M., Girnary, S., Nojoomi, M., Acharya, S., & Paul, S. M. (2017). The optimal orthosis…

April 3, 2017

April is OT month!

April is OT month, recognizing the important work of all occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. This dedicated profession helps people of all ages participate in the activities that are meaningful to them through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Occupational Therapy practitioners utilize a holistic…

March 16, 2017

A New Look at the De Quervain’s Syndrome and Orthotic Management

Hinged long opponens orthosis for De Quervain tendovaginitis

February 17, 2017

Paul Van Lede: February 7, 1944 – February 15, 2017

It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that Paul Van Lede passed away. For many years, Paul was THE Orfit Splinting Product Specialist. He is the one who introduced the early Orfit thermoplastic line to many hand therapists, OT’s and PT’s across the globe. He…

February 6, 2017

Congratulations to the new CHT’s!

Orfit is proud to acknowledge the 133 newly Certified Hand Therapists (CHT’s) who passed the November 2016 Hand Therapy Certification Examination. Many hours of study and hard work went into their success. These committed individuals are occupational or physical therapists with at least 5 years of clinical experience, including 4000…

December 16, 2016

The use of coils as outrigger components in mobilization orthoses

Springs and/or lengths of wire with coils store potential energy which can be released to do “work”. These components can easily be incorporated into mobilization orthoses to provide “work” in the form of functional support of joints, assistance for weak or absent muscles, and resistance or stretch to joints with…

October 4, 2016

Splint in the Spotlight – Radial Paralysis: a progressive orthosis

Our Orfit blog shares information and instructions in matching our thermoplastic materials to orthotic designs. Please check back frequently to gain inspiration and ideas in orthotic fabrication for all of your patient’s needs. Radial Paralysis – a progressive orthosis The radial nerve innervates the…

August 11, 2016

Creating well-designed orthoses that are also visually attractive

Some patients need to wear an orthosis long term to help them perform their daily routine of activities. Other patients require orthoses for a short period while healing. But an orthosis will almost always become a very visual part of the individual! We feel strongly that each individual orthosis…

June 14, 2016

New from Orfit: Orfit Flex NS, Orfit Colors NS Bright Pink and antibacterial properties for all our NS splinting materials

Orfit Industries is the only manufacturer of innovative orthotic materials. Our R&D efforts lead to a wider choice of products to satisfy the needs of every medical professional and his or her patients. NEW – Splinting materials now have antibacterial properties At Orfit Industries we are always…

May 23, 2016

UNRWA thanks Orfit for donation of orthotic equipment

At Orfit Industries, our goal is to help as many patients as possible anywhere in the world. In 2015, we decided to help the UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in providing immediate assistance to patients…

May 4, 2016

Ideas for Orthoses with Orficast – 22 Orficast Instructional Movies

What is Orficast Thermoplastic Tape? Orficast is an innovative casting and splinting tape that is applied directly to the patient after heat activation. Orficast is available in both Blue and Black colors, in 3 cm and 6 cm widths. The material has…

April 26, 2016

Counterforce Strap Orthoses for the Treatment of Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

‘Tennis Elbow’ or ‘Lateral Epicondylitis’ refers to a common complaint of pain and discomfort in the lateral elbow and upper forearm, and tenderness of the forearm extensor muscles. In this condition, there is a degeneration of the origin of these muscles, weakening this area. This is thought to be an overuse injury and it can have a major impact on one’s activities of daily living.

January 26, 2016

Dynamic Orthoses and Force Application

Orthoses for mobilization are commonly used in hand therapy interventions to substitute for weak or absent muscles or to apply force to stiff tissue and joints to regain passive joint motion. Orthoses using too much force can cause injury to body structures resulting in pain and edema. Too little force will not achieve the desired goals of the intervention.

January 19, 2016

Immobilization Splinting for Traumatology – The Basics

This article is meant for novice splinters and can also serve as a refresher for more advanced therapists. We list the basic guidelines for immobilization splinting for traumatology and talk about the thermoplastic materials that can be chosen for specific designs. We also specify some…

January 12, 2016

The Current Evidence for Static Progressive Orthoses for the Upper Extremity

Article by Debby Schwartz published in the ASHT Times Jan 2016

Download the entire study (PDF) here >> Static progressive orthoses is a type of mobilization orthosis that therapists use to help their clients regain passive motion in stiff joints and tissues.This type of orthosis incorporates non-elastic components to apply force to the stiff joint or tissue, holding…

January 6, 2016

Splinting with Orficast Thermoplastic Tape: Orficast alternatives to thermoplastic splints of the hand and finger (made by Orfit distributor Otto Bock Australia)

The information below has been created by Damien Silvester and Amanda MacKillop, hand therapy specialists at Otto Bock Australia, our distributor in Australia. They use it as a handout suggesting Orficast alternatives to thermoplastic splints of the hand and finger. …

December 21, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Orthoses to Prevent Full Forearm Rotation: The Muenster Orthosis and the Sugar Tong Orthosis

The Muenster and Sugar Tong Orthosis are two useful orthoses indicated to prevent full forearm pronation and supination. Both help to position the forearm in a neutral position so that healing of injured structures can occur.

December 2, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Comfortable and lightweight orthoses with Orfilight materials

When patients are required to wear their orthoses for long duration during day and night, it is always helpful to consider the size of the patient’s extremity, the specifics of the diagnosis and the weight of the selected material for the orthosis. Orfit offers Orfilight, an extremely lightweight material that might be appropriate for many of your patients, regardless of the specific diagnosis.

November 24, 2015

Sup-ER orthosis for infants with brachial plexus injuries

Kim Durlacher (BScOT, CHT) and her colleagues at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver developed a special orthosis for babies born with brachial plexus injuries. The Sup- ER orthosis, described in the Journal of Hand Therapy in 2014, helps maintain the affected arm in supination…

November 5, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Dart Thrower’s Motion Orthosis (also known as the Dart Splint)

The Dart Thrower’s Motion Splint allows for guided motion in the plane known as “dart thrower’s motion”, an oblique motion of the wrist that is incorporated during most of our activities of daily living. The motion consists of radial deviation and extension (called radial extension) towards ulnar deviation and flexion (called ulnar flexion).

August 3, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Short Thumb Spica (Opponens) Splint

The goals of the Short Thumb Spica are twofold: maintain the thumb in opposition, and preserve the first web space. The Orfit thumb gauntlet (butterfly pattern) addresses both of these goals, but it may be difficult to remove especially when the patient has to wear his orthosis during the night.

July 14, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – The Long Opponens / Thumb Spica Orthosis

Several pathologies require immobilization of the wrist and thumb joints in a wrist- hand -finger orthosis known as the long thumb opponens or thumb spica orthosis. 1) Arthritis of the wrist and thumb (both Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis) 2) Scaphoid Fractures 3) ...

May 20, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Ulnar Drift Splint

This splint design can be used to improve the alignment of strongly deviated fingers, which is in many cases caused by rheumatoid arthritis. An ulnar drift deformity is characterized by ulnar deviation and volar subluxation of the metacarpal phalangeal (MCP) joints.

May 4, 2015

Splint in the Spotlight – Lever Splint System for Hemiplegia

Objective of the splint: Prevention of tissue shortening. One of the main problems we face with hemiplegia is tissue contractures. There are several causes, beginning with edema leading up to articular stiffness, and eventually muscle shortening.

March 18, 2015

The Dorsal Wrist Cock-up Orthosis

The dorsal design allows for functional activities to be performed easily without interference of the orthosis.

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

December 1, 2014

Orthotic fabrication for kids

By: Debby Schwartz, OTD, OTR/L, CHT and Orfit Product Specialist How do you get kids to cooperate with orthotic wear? How do you make sure the orthosis will stay put on their extremity? And how do you make an orthosis on a child that can’t sit still? Orthotic fabrication for…

November 5, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Dorsal Blocking Orthosis

The Dorsal Blocking Orthosis is a dorsally placed immobilization orthosis designed to protect the sutured/repaired flexor tendons and/or nerves in a tension free position. Other names for this splint include Extension Block Splint, Dorsal shell, and Dorsal Protective splint.

October 22, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: “Stack” or “Mallet Finger” Orthosis

A mallet finger develops when there has been disruption of the terminal slip extensor tendon to the digital phalanx (zone I), causing an inability to actively extend the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). The mechanism of injury can be sudden forceful flexion of the extended fingertip or blunt trauma to the dorsum of the finger.

October 15, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Finger Extension Assist Orthosis

When peripheral nerves are injured by compression or laceration, motor and sensory function can be significantly impaired. Nerve recovery may be prolonged and therapists are often confronted with the task of creating functional orthoses to help clients maintain their independence while awaiting nerve regeneration and/ or recovery.

October 8, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Relative Motion Orthosis

The relative motion splint is in the news these days, being touted as the “go-to-splint” for a wide variety of conditions affecting the hand and digits. At the recent ASHT meeting in Boston, a panel of experts debated the use of this simply designed splint for acute and chronic boutonniere, acute and chronic sagittal band rupture, digital joint stiffness, tendon injury and repair, nerve repair and other injuries.

October 1, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Metacarpal-Phalangeal (MCP) Joint Blocking Orthosis

Our Orfit blog shares information and instructions in matching our thermoplastic materials to orthotic designs. Please check back frequently to gain inspiration and ideas in orthotic fabrication for all of your patient’s needs. Today, we focus on the Metacarpal-Phalangeal (MCP) Joint Blocking Orthosis. Pathology: Digital blocking…

September 24, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Circumferential Elbow Splint for Elbow Positioning

Our Orfit blog shares information and instructions in matching our thermoplastic materials to orthotic designs. Please check back frequently to gain inspiration and ideas in orthotic fabrication for all of your patient’s needs. Today, we focus on the Circumferential Elbow Splint for Elbow Positioning. Pathology: Patients…

September 17, 2014

Splint in the Spotlight: Gauntlet thumb post splint for Functional Positioning of the Thumb

Our Orfit blog shares information and instructions in matching our thermoplastic materials to orthotic designs. Please check back frequently to gain inspiration and ideas in orthotic fabrication for all of your patient’s needs. In this first article of the ‘Splint in the Spotlight’ series, we focus on…

June 10, 2014

Unordinary applications of thermoplastic materials

Orfit Thermoplastic materials used in unusual, creative ways to improve patient comfort Felix de Beer, moulding technician at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven (the Netherlands), uses Orfit thermoplastic materials in rather unusual ways. One of the patients, René, has now expressed his wish to share a moulding technique that has…

March 25, 2014

Soccer player wears Orfit mask to cure from crack in eye socket

Memphis Depay, soccer player at PSV Eindhoven in Holland, is wearing an Orfit mask to cure from a crack in his eye socket, incurred because of an elbow punch during a match. “The mask will even stay put when heading a ball”, says Felix de Beer of the Catharina Hospital…

January 31, 2014

Marouane Fellaini resumes trainings with custom-made Orfit Splint

Recovering from his wrist injury, Fellaini will wear an Orfit Crystal NS splint during his recommenced trainings

Marouane Fellaini (midfielder for Manchester United and for the Belgian National soccer team) is currently recovering from a wrist surgery and is expected to be out until February. Fellaini injured his wrist ligaments in a clash against Shakhtar Donetsk during the Champions League in October, but after consulting with the…

October 28, 2013

10 Reasons Why Orficast is the Thermoplastic Tape you want to use

Orficast is the new generation of thermoplastic materials for immobilization purposes. It is a stretchable, self-adhesive textile, knitted from thermoplastic fibers. The blue version has been around for a while, and now we also offer Orficast in an appealing black colour. Although it looks simple, Orficast is high tech!…

September 5, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Wrist and thumb Orthosis from Orfit Colors NS 2.0mm

Splinting Techniques: Video 9 of 10

This week, we would like to show you another splinting video for a wrist and thumb orthosis. The demonstrated material is a pre-cut model from Orfit Colors NS in Hot Green. A wrist and thumb orthosis can serves to immobilize the wrist, the basal joint and the MCP joint of the thumb. This…

August 29, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Dorsal wrist orthosis from Orfilight Black NS 3.2mm with Orfitube Outrigger

Splinting Techniques: Video 8 of 10

Today we want to show how to create a dorsal wrist cock-up orthosis with Orfilight Black NS, completed with an Orfitube outrigger attachment. The Dorsal Wrist Cock-Up Orthosis immobilizes the wrist joint to allow healing and rest or protection of injured structures. It can be used to help…

August 22, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Anti swan neck orthosis from Orfit Strips

Splinting Techniques: Video 7 of 10

For this week’s episode of Splinting Thursdays, we would like to show you how to create an anti swan neck orthosis from Orfit Strips. The swan neck deformity describes the finger with a hyperextended Proximal- interphalangeal (PIP) joint and a flexed Distal -Interphalangeal (DIP) joint. A common condition that…

August 15, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Anti claw orthosis from Orfit Strips

Splinting Techniques: Video 6 of 10

This week, we have an instruction video for an anti claw orthosis, made from Orfit Strips in Orfit Colors NS 3.2mm. Injury to the ulnar nerve may cause an abnormal hand posture typically referred to as “clawing” of the ring and little fingers. This posture includes hyperextension of the Metacarpo-phalangeal…

August 8, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Circumferential elbow orthosis from Aquafit NS (Orfit Natural NS) 3.2mm

Splinting Techniques: Video 5 of 10

For this week’s episode of Splinting Thursdays, we want to show you a circumferential elbow orthosis made from Orfit Natural NS or Aquafit 3.2mm. Posterior elbow orthoses are utilized to immobilize the elbow joint and surrounding tissues to allow for rest and healing, and /or to protect these structures…

August 1, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Volar Wrist Cock-up Orthosis from Orfit Flex NS 3.2mm

Splinting Techniques: Video 4 of 10

In this week’s edition of Splinting Thursdays, we want to show you a Volar Wrist Cock-up Orthosis made of Orfit Flex NS 3.2. The volar wrist cock- up orthosis is one of the most frequently fabricated orthoses. It holds the wrist in extension but allows for functional use of the…

July 25, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Precut gauntlet thumb orthosis from Orfilight Black NS 1.6mm

Splinting Techniques: Video 3 of 10

This demonstration features Orfit’s precut gauntlet thumb post orthosis. The primary purpose of the short opponens orthosis, also commonly known as a short thumb spica or basal joint orthosis is to immobilize the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) and metacarpo-phalangeal (MP) joints to allow for healing, rest, and /or protection of the…

July 18, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Resting hand orthosis from Orfit Colors NS Gold 3.4mm

Splinting Techniques: Video 2 of 10

This video demonstrates how to make a resting hand orthosis from Orfit Colors NS Gold 3.4mm. The objective of the resting hand orthosis is to provide a comfortable and correct resting position for the wrist, hand and fingers and to allow for healing and rest of injured structures. This type of…

July 11, 2013

Splinting with Orfit materials: Orfit Wrist and thumb orthosis from Orfit Classic 2.0mm microperforated

Splinting Techniques: Video 1 of 10

In this video, a wrist and thumb orthosis that serves to immobilize the wrist, the basal joint and the MCP joint of the thumb is created. This type of immobilization splint is recommended during the treatment of several indications, including but not limited to: Post-surgical thumb basal joint arthritis Thumb…