Dynamic shoulder abduction splint.

The purpose of this splint is to provide a dynamic modification of a static abduction splint. Many times with injuries involving the shoulder, immobilization causes restriction of shoulder motion. A dynamic splint will provide support for the weakened or paralyzed abductors, while allowing movement in internal and external rotation, horizontal abduction and adduc­ tion. This type of orthosis would be indicated in conditions such as paralysis of the deltoid muscles, brachial plexus injuries and certain post­ operative conditions. The device was developed in the treatment of a patient who had a deltoid palsy and who was developing contractures while the deltoid muscle was recovering. The splint allowed the patient to support the arm in 90° abducted position while actively utilizing internal and external rotation (fig. 1 ) , and horizontal abduction and adduction of the shoulder (fig. 2 ) . The adaptations made to the static abduction splint were (fig. 3) :