Description:

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of common pediatric hand injuries that could end up in an Adult Hand Clinic. Speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of each injury and provide eduation on evaluation and treatment. Common injuries will include: the young athlete, flexor tendon injuries in pediatrics, common pediatric fractures, wrist pain, and volar plate injuries

Description:

Brachial plexus injuries and amputations are devasting injuries that affect all aspects of a person’s life. The complexity of these injuries requires a specialized team-based approach to address the multifaceted aspects of returning the patient to meaningful occupations. Advancements in nerve transfer surgery restore hope and function in those who have sustained brachial plexus injuries. In the first half of the session, three nerve transfer procedures will be introduced that improve function of the shoulder, elbow, and hand in the brachial plexus population, followed by rehabilitation principles to optimize surgical outcomes.  

Lack of restoring individual finger control in patients with partial hand amputations can result in significant limitations in performing daily tasks. With limited prosthetic options, the “Starfish Procedure” was developed to restore individual finger function using a myoelectric prosthesis. The last hour of the session will focus on the details of this procedure. Come join this therapist/surgeon team as they discuss the importance of collaboration to foster resilience in two populations that present with life-altering injuries.  

Description:

Why isn’t my hand patient with paresthesias and weakness getting better? Sometimes we find our patients with distal nerve symptoms can have a proximal component that is limiting progress. As our world gets “techier” with using smaller and smaller electronic devices, our patients find themselves more and more hunched over. These poor postures can also often be a contributing factor to the development of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Gain a better understanding of this “elusive” diagnosis and have an opportunity for hands-on practice during the session! Join us for an overview of TOS including clinical testing with an introduction to treatment techniques involving the 1^st rib, scapula, glenohumeral joint and trunk with the use of lecture, videos, and demonstration to get your patient on the road to recovery! This presentation will change the way you see your patient and give you treatment ideas that can produce lasting results!

Description:

The Painful Thumb occurs in more than the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb. This session will present the basics of the dynamic stability program to seed conversation with the attendees to problem solve conservative care of the painful thumb. Every hand therapist requires the skills to care for painful thumbs.

Description:

Traumatic elbow injuries may have profound effects on upper extremity function. Due to the high incidence of post-traumatic stiffness of the elbow following elbow injuries, the elbow has earned the reputation as the unforgiving joint. Therapists are challenged to optimize motion while maintaining stability of the elbow. Factors that contribute to the development of arthrofibrosis include congruent/intricate anatomy, traumatic pathology, patient characteristics, and delayed referral to therapy. Evidence-informed guidelines for therapy management are limited due to the paucity of scholarly work and low prevalence of traumatic injuries limiting clinical experience. This session will provide recommendations for comprehensive client management including clinical examination and targeted interventions to achieve optimal patient outcomes for traumatic elbow injuries.