Splints and Braces
The GP Guide To Splints and Braces is a helpful resource on the types of splints/braces available with useful pictures to show to patients
Occupational Therapy Splinting and Bracing Service
Patients who require assessment and brace fitting by a therapist
A new referral is required after 6 months, within the 6 month period the patient has direct access to the service
Splints and braces can be used to:
- Protect structures following acute injury or surgery
- Support or offload joints to reduce pain or discomfort
- Restore function through joint positioning or substituting for weak or absent muscles.
- Any condition that would benefit from splinting can be treated; for example OA, RA, RSIs, CTS etc. (WCH Service)
Procedures Performed
- Assessment for supports / splints / braces,
- Fitting of basic ‘off the shelf’ braces for upper and lower limb.
- Supply, fit and adjust complex braces for upper limb, lower limb and spine.
- Bespoke thermoplastic splints for upper and lower limb.
- Bespoke versions of ‘off the shelf’ braces.
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Compression gloves and sleeves. (WCH service only)
Suggested Investigations
- Requesting x-rays via GP
- Outward referral to hand surgery and orthopaedics
Exclusions – please see referrals that will be rejected
- Aids and equipment – refer to Community OT
- Mobility aids – refer to community physiotherapy
- Bespoke products usually prescribed by Orthotists e.g. callipers, footwear.
- Hand splints required for patients with neurological conditions (should be sent to the neurology splinting clinic at Marie Therese House).
- Complex foot orthotics (should be send to orthotics or podiatry).
- Braces for sport unless this activity is the patient’s primary source of income.
- ‘non-therapeutic’ splints.
- We do not run open clinics and ‘drop ins’ are discouraged.
- We are unable to provide a domiciliary service.
- Community visits and equipment/wheelchair requirements
- For carpal tunnel braces please refer direct to appliances with wrist measurements
- We do not supply repeat splint or braces (please refer to appliances)
The West Cornwall Service is unable to see patients for post-op follow up.
Appliance Service
Non-clinical ordering and supply service only for ‘off the shelf’ splints/braces (that do not require measurements/assessment), protective helmets,wigs and ‘off the shelf’ children’s footwear. Further information can be found on http://rms.kernowccg.nhs.uk/rms/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/orthopaedics/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/primary_care_clinical_referral_criteria/orthopaedics/alternative_orthopaedic_related_services/appliances_department_rc
Outside of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Orthotics service
Provided by a private company across sites in Cornwall. Requests for ‘bespoke’ orthoses, callipers etc.
Podiatry
Footwear, orthoses
Musculoskeletal Interface
Knee braces as part of treatment if meet criteria for Musculoskeletal Interface referral
Exclusions: Peripheral vascular disease, peripheral oedema, ulceration
Neuro-splinting clinic, Marie Therese House.
For adults with neurological conditions who need hand splints.
Alternative Services –
Patients can be referred or signposted to other services e.g. Falls Clinic, Orthotics, the Mobility Centre as appropriate.
Advice can be given on small aids to daily living and we stock a number of useful booklets on musculoskeletal conditions that can be issued to patients.
Grimshaw, M. The General Practitioner’s Guide To Splints And Braces, Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust September 2018
Date reviewed 18/11/2021
Next review due 18/11/2022
Author Dr Rebecca Hopkins
Contributors Meirion Grimshaw, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist Splinting and Bracing/Appliances, RCHT
Dr Rebecca Hopkins, General Practitioner and RMS Orthopaedics Lead, Kernow Referral Management Service
Version No. 1.1