The splint depicted in this animation is ***PATENT PENDING***
This animation shows the functionality of the splint. It shows the components that make it up, how it’s assembled, how it can move, how the components can be adjusted, how the forearm supination/pronation angle is adjusted, how the shoulder internal/external rotation angle is adjusted and locked, and how the elbow flexion/extension range of motion can be limited (or how the elbow flexion/extension can be locked at certain incremental angles using the same technique).
The ROM3 SPIER Splint (Range of Motion 3-Axis Supination Pronation Internal External Rotation)
The ROM3 SPIER Splint is a dynamic 3-axis range of motion splint for the supination or pronation and internal or external rotation of the forearm and shoulder. It is a rehabilitation and assistive device designed to help three groups of people: (1) people with brachial plexus damage that has resulted in some degree of paralysis and decreased range of motion (2) people with any sort of injury to the arm or shoulder and (3) anyone that wants to target certain muscles of the arm and shoulder within their workouts.
Brachial plexus injuries commonly occur due to birth-related trauma, due to an accident (such as a motorcycle accident), or due to stroke. Currently, surgical intervention can help a great deal but is not enough to completely restore function. The splint helps people in group (1) or (2) to stretch the arm and complete certain rehabilitative exercises that would otherwise be difficult or ineffective. It accomplishes this firstly by allowing the user to lock the arm in certain positions for prolonged stretching. Secondly, with appropriate angles of rotation selected, the splint restricts the use of the stronger muscles in the arm that would otherwise compensate for the weaker ones and prevent them from getting sufficiently exercised, so that the mental effort used to perform an exercise during resistance training forces the weaker muscles (weaker due to damaged nerves or general injury) to be the primary provider of the motion. People in group (3) may not necessarily be injured but may benefit from the splint’s ability to stretch and from its potential to serve as a calisthenic workout tool that allows certain primary muscles to be targeted without interaction from secondary muscles.
The splint allows three of the arm and shoulder’s seven rotational degrees of freedom to be controlled. It allows the forearm to be locked at any angle of pronation or supination, it allows the shoulder to be locked at incremental angles of internal or external rotation, and it allows the elbow’s flexion and extension to be limited or locked at incremental angles. For shoulder internal or external rotation and elbow flexion or extension, the splint allows the user to switch back and forth between a state of being locked and a state of being free to move throughout its normal range. This means that, when in the free state, these degrees of freedom can be moved through as though the splint wasn’t being worn. Currently, however, the forearm cannot be freed to move in its rotation but can only be locked at the angle selected.
The splint’s mechanical components are all attached to a flexible shoulder brace. By itself, the shoulder brace serves its traditional purpose, which is to alleviate pain and discomfort to the shoulder area by providing support to the rotator cuff. Causes of such pain and discomfort include but are not limited to sprains, tendonitis, arthritis, and subluxations.
The splint provides several benefits but they are limited by the extent of any injuries. In general, for people in groups (1) or (2), it can increase the strength and size of the muscles, decrease nerve pain, and improve motor function. After using it to assist with stretching and resistance training, the improved condition of the arm makes it easier to complete everyday tasks, such as washing dishes, and recreational tasks, such as certain movements required for sports. It also improves the ability of users to do more motor-related tasks, such as typing, playing a musical instrument, or possibly something he or she couldn’t do before. Aside from direct improvements to the condition of the arm, the splint can also serve as an assistive device where simply being able to lock the arm in certain positions may allow certain tasks to be completed or may provide a level of comfort (which may include people without injuries). For example, by locking the shoulder at the splint’s max internal rotation angle and locking the elbow at 90 degrees, it can be worn like a traditional sling.
Music:
1. Otis McDonald - “Celebration”
2. Otis McDonald - “Stay”
3. Otis McDonald - “Birdbrainz”
4. Otis McDonald - “It was a great Summer”