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J Hand Microsurg 2018; 10(03): 172-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642068
Ideas and Innovations
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

The Use of Dynamic Assist Orthosis for Muscle Reeducation following Brachial Plexus Injury and Reconstruction

Shrikant J. Chinchalkar
1   Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Juliana Larocerie-Salgado
1   Roth-McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Jeremy Cepek
2   Schullic School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Marie-Lyne Grenier
3   Faculty Lecturer, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 14 June 2017

Accepted after revision: 07 March 2018

Publication Date:
25 April 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Therapeutic management of brachial plexus injuries remains complex. The impact of brachial plexus injuries on everyday human functioning should not be underestimated. Early active-assisted range of motion following such injuries may prevent myostatic contractures, minimize muscle atrophy, facilitate muscle fiber recruitment, and enable a faster return to baseline strength levels. The dynamic assist elbow flexion orthosis proposed is designed to provide patients with a graded system for muscle reeducation and function. No clinical data are currently available on the use of this orthosis design; however, this article presents a treatment option based on sound clinical reasoning to facilitate rehabilitation following this devastating injury.

Keywords

brachial plexus injury - reconstructive nerve surgery - dynamic orthosis
 

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