Review Series: Hand And Upper Extremity CEU Courses for OTs

Occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in educating clients on what to expect after surgery including guidance of post-operative therapy protocols and returning to function. This course will discuss the surgical management of CMC thumb arthritis, specifically the ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) surgery as well as post-operative expectations.

This course reviews normal biomechanical function of the intrinsic mechanisms of digital function as a basis for understanding pathomechanics due to soft tissue and neural injuries affecting the hand. Remediation strategies to prevent deformity and enhance occupational performance are presented.

This course offers a closer look at the benefits and inherent risks associated with the application of dynamic splinting in conjunction with specific population groups. Specific methods and applications are discussed for use with clients who present with long-term dynamic splinting needs.

This course will review the role of reconstructive surgery post tetraplegia to restore UE function. Using lecture, empirical data, and case studies, we will explore options for surgical interventions, anticipated outcomes, and interventions to optimize those outcomes.

This course reviews the world of dynamic splint fabrication and application via an examination of the methods associated with fabricating and/or implementing dynamic elbow splints to manage a client’s elbow and forearm-based range of motion, support, and joint protection needs. Custom and pre-fabricated designs are discussed and compared.

This course offers a closer look at the world of dynamic splint fabrication and application via an examination of the methods associated with fabricating and/or implementing dynamic wrist splints to manage a client’s wrist-based range of motion, support, and joint protection needs.

Following a brief anatomical review of hand structures in order to ensure understanding of the theory, purpose, and methods behind many dynamic splint designs, Dr. Davin offers a comparison of the qualities of static splinting as compared to dynamic splinting. An overview of various dynamic splinting options is introduced and serves to build foundational knowledge as it relates to dynamic splinting in preparation for upcoming courses within this series.

This course is a review of scar biology and abnormal scar development, with a focus on those scars that may pose barriers to function. Information is provided on conservative care provided by OTs, including scar assessment, intervention, and outcomes measurements.

This course will review the extensor tendon anatomy and the various contribution of extrinsic and intrinsic muscles to the extensor tendon mechanism. A brief overview and rationale for the utilization of immobilization, early passive motion, or early active motion protocols for each of the extensor tendon zones will be described. **Please have a tight-fitting glove and 4 markers for the demonstration portion of the talk.

This course will cover the assessment of upper extremity motion and strength in relation to the provision of UE rehabilitation.