įigure 11-5 The line of tension must be maintained at 90 degrees from the long axis of the bone. The ability to alter collagen formation is greatest during the proliferative stage of wound healing but continues to a lesser degree for several months during scar maturation. Provided it remains within elastic limits, the stress from a mobilization splint can positively affect the gradual realignment of collagen fibers (resulting in increased tensile strength of the tissue) without causing microscopic tearing of the tissue. By applying controlled stress to the tissue over a prolonged period of time, the therapist can create tension gentle enough to allow creep without tissue injury. Soft tissue responds to excessive force with increased pain and a reintroduction of the inflammatory process. This activity is called creep and results from the application of prolonged force. Soft-tissue structures respond to prolonged stress by changing or reforming. A mobilization splint applied too early after injury might result in increased inflammation and decreased motion. Mild inflammation is acceptable, but edema should not fluctuate significantly. During what stage in the healing process should a splint be used to apply force? How much force should the splint apply? Where should the force be applied? The therapist should exercise caution when applying force to an injured joint until the inflammation and pain are under control. Application of an external force to healing joint structures raises the following questions. The goal of a mobilization splint is to restore a joint’s normal range of motion, and to minimize the effects of inflammation and scar tissue. Knowledge of complex mathematical calculations is not required for a therapist to have a basic understanding of the biomechanics of dynamic splinting. To fabricate a dynamic splint accurately, a therapist must understand the principles of hand biomechanics and must know in what ways the application of external force affects normal hand function.

Coding For Serial Casting