IMPACT OF COCK UP SPLINTS TO CHILDREN WITH WRIST DROP IN MULAGO ORTHOPAEDIC WORKSHOP. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

The management of wrist drops involves the use of a wrist splint commonly known as a cock-up splint and physical therapy. The study aims to assess the Impact of cock-up splints on children with wrist drops in the MNRH Orthopedic Workshop.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection methods to collect data from 45 Respondents who were wrist drop patients between 10 to 18 years old.

Results

A significant impact of cock-up splints in the management of wrist drops was reported. The majority of the respondents 18(40%) had improved wrist alignment, 10(26.7%) had improved range of motion at the wrist joint, 9(20%) improved muscle power, and 6(13%) experienced a reduction in pain. negative impacts of cock-up splints on wrist drop patients. Majority of the patients 36(80%) had discomfort while 9(20%) didn’t experience it, 26(57.8%) got muscle weakness and atrophy unlike the 19(42.2%), 34(75.6%) had limited range of motion at the wrist joint while 11(24.4%). As 27(60%) had skin irritations while 18(40%) did not get any skin irritations. 27(60%) were males while 18(40%) were females.

Conclusion

Cock up splints had a recommendable positive impact on wrist drop patients where they helped in relieving patients of pain and improved the prognosis of the patients despite other notable side effects associated with their use like skin irritation and discomfort.

Recommendation

Efforts should be made by Orthopedic Technologists to address the negative effects of cock-up splints on patients such as discomfort, muscle weakness, and atrophy. Limitation of range of motion and skin irritations through making better cock up designs with inner soft liners or paddings as these will allow comfortability and also avoid direct contact of device material plastic or metal with the skin thus avoiding skin irritations.