Biomaterial Database

Soft splinting with neoprene: the thumb abduction supinator splint. 1988

C A Casey, and E J Kratz

Children's Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

Thermoplastics are useful for many types of splints, but most splints made from them position the hand statically and have the disadvantage of limiting the sensory feedback that occurs during normal use and movement. Neoprene is an alternative to thermoplastics when dynamic mobility in splinting is the goal. Neoprene is soft, stretchable, lightweight, durable, nontoxic, machine-washable, and has a good memory. The TASS uses the Bobaths' key point of forearm supination and thumb abduction to position the upper extremity more functionally without the patient having to use effort. Thus sensory feedback can occur while the limb is moving within a prescribed range. The TASS can be used as an extra "hand" during the occupational therapy treatment session, or it can be applied immediately after treatment to continue to facilitate functional positioning of the limb.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009128	Muscle Spasticity	A form of muscle hypertonia associated with upper MOTOR NEURON DISEASE. Resistance to passive stretch of a spastic muscle results in minimal initial resistance (a "free interval") followed by an incremental increase in muscle tone. Tone increases in proportion to the velocity of stretch. Spasticity is usually accompanied by HYPERREFLEXIA and variable degrees of MUSCLE WEAKNESS. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p54)	Clasp-Knife Spasticity,Spastic,Clasp Knife Spasticity,Spasticity, Clasp-Knife,Spasticity, Muscle
D009387	Neoprene	An oil-resistant synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of chloroprene.	Chloroprene Polymer,Polychloroprene,1,3-Butadiene, 2-chloro-, Homopolymer,Duprene,Chloroprene Polymers,Polychloroprenes
D009468	Neuromuscular Diseases	A general term encompassing lower MOTOR NEURON DISEASE; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES; and certain MUSCULAR DISEASES. Manifestations include MUSCLE WEAKNESS; FASCICULATION; muscle ATROPHY; SPASM; MYOKYMIA; MUSCLE HYPERTONIA, myalgias, and MUSCLE HYPOTONIA.	Amyotonia Congenita,Oppenheim Disease,Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome,Fasciculation-Cramp Syndrome, Benign,Foley-Denny-Brown Syndrome,Oppenheim's Disease,Benign Fasciculation-Cramp Syndrome,Benign Fasciculation-Cramp Syndromes,Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome,Cramp-Fasciculation Syndromes,Fasciculation Cramp Syndrome, Benign,Fasciculation-Cramp Syndromes, Benign,Foley Denny Brown Syndrome,Neuromuscular Disease,Oppenheims Disease,Syndrome, Cramp-Fasciculation,Syndrome, Foley-Denny-Brown,Syndromes, Cramp-Fasciculation
D009788	Occupational Therapy	Skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It assists in the development of skills needed for independent living.	Ergotherapy,Therapy, Occupational,Ergotherapies,Occupational Therapies,Therapies, Occupational
D011090	Polyenes	Hydrocarbons with more than one double bond. They are a reduced form of POLYYNES.	Cumulenes
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D005542	Forearm	Part of the upper extremity in humans and primates extending from the ELBOW to the WRIST.	Antebrachium,Antebrachiums,Forearms
D006225	Hand	The distal part of the arm beyond the wrist in humans and primates, that includes the palm, fingers, and thumb.	Hands
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013165	Splints	Rigid or flexible appliances that are used to maintain a displaced or movable part in position, or to maintain the position of and protect an injured part.	Dynamic Orthoses,Dynamic Splint,Dynamic Splinting,Dynamic Splints,Static Orthoses,Static Splint,Static Splinting,Static Splints,Dynamic Splintings,Splint,Splint, Dynamic,Splint, Static,Splinting, Dynamic,Splinting, Static,Splints, Dynamic,Splints, Static,Static Orthose