Interface Uganda regularly sends out splinting material to CoRSU hospital. This allows the therapists there to help maintain good joint positions while wounds heal, or to stretch out scars which make joints stiff, or to protect structures such as bones or tendons that have been damaged and repaired by the surgeons. The splints are good, because you can remove them to allow movement, and so enable the patient to exercise. In this way, it is much better than having to be in a plaster, which may cause joint stiffness.
We have just received another report from Isaac Abor (Occupational Therapist at CoRSU), which shows how much they are using the material we provide, and how useful it is to the children they have used it on.
Here is his report…
K.I Aged 2 years
K.I was burnt with hot water. Six months later, in June 2015, he was brought to CoRSU with burn scar contractures of the right foot and hand. Surgery was performed to release the scars, and he needed skin grafts. He benefitted from the thermoplastic splint to maintain the corrected position.
K.J Aged 19 months
K.J was brought to CoRSU at only one month old in April 2014 with a congenital deformity known as Arthrogryposis. He has been undergoing serial stretching of the upper limbs using the thermoplastic splints. He is now learning to use his hands meaningfully but still uses the splints at night.
L.P Aged 2 years
L.P had a flexion contracture of her right hand and bilateral clubfeet. The clubfeet were managed with serial plaster of paris casts and then surgery.
The hand was managed with splinting to stretch the wrist contracture.
V.N Aged 7 months
V.N was born with Arthrogryposis that affects both upper limbs and lower limbs.
Serial stretching with thermoplastic splints is helping to bring out the hands to a more functional position. She will use splints for the foreseeable future.
N.R Aged 11 years
N.R was scalded by hot porridge. She later developed contractures of the elbow, and axilla (armpit) with hypertrophic scars. She underwent surgical release of the contractures at CoRSU and a thermoplastic splint was fabricated for her to maintain the elbow extension coupled with physiotherapy to improve range of movement.
Compiled by
Isaac Abor
Occupational therapist
CoRSU Hospital