Functional Cast Therapy for the Upper Extremity

Description

Description:

Learning a new splinting or casting technique can be intimidating and challenging for the novice and even the skilled therapist. This course is designed for therapists who would like to gain confidence in their functional cast therapy (FCT) fabrication skills. If you have never made a functional cast orthosis for a patient, are intimidated to make a functional cast orthosis, or if you have tried using FCT and had difficulty manipulating the material; then this course will teach you tips and techniques to successfully fabricate custom functional cast orthoses to meet your patients needs. You will view detailed step by step demonstrations and fabrication of 6 common upper extremity functional cast orthoses and the diagnoses appropriate for each. To successfully complete each orthosis, opportunity for lab time is provided throughout the course to allow immediate clinical application of FCT techniques. To ensure mastery of FCT, you will understand clinical applications, problem solving, and planning strategies prior to fabrication. All participants will learn zones of rigidity, material details, orthosis modification, use of padding, and strapping techniques. Learn how to remove the functional cast orthosis safely from the patient and confidently educate and instruct the patient for compliance. In addition, Michelle will share her time saving tips and techniques from her 10 years of trial and error. Mixed level learning course – Instructional Methods include PowerPoint presentation, lecture, and video to enhance understanding. Comprehensive exam provided at end of course. Short Demo clip demonstrates a small portion of fabrication of a short opponens orthosis with IP included.

OBJECTIVES:

• Review Functional Cast Therapy (FCT)

• Identify and Differentiate Describe and Understand Materials Used for FCT
• Identify Indications for Using FCT for Individuals with Upper Extremity Pathology
• Reognize Advantages and Disadvantages of using FCT
• Review Upper Extremity Diagnoses Appropriate for FCT
• Determine a Set Up Checklist Prior to Initial Fabrication
• Review the Steps involved in the Application of FCT
• Visualize Wrapping Technique with Ace Wrap to Practice on Clinicians Prior to Initial Fabrication of FCT
• Visualize fabrication of 6 Common Upper Extremity Orthoses used in Orthopedic Clinics and clinical indications (Lab time to fabricate on own)
• Wrist Cock-Up
• Wrist Cock-Up (alternative)
• Thumb Spica
• Short Opponens with IP included
• Forearm-Based Ulnar Gutter
• Hand-Based Ulnar Gutter
• Long Arm Orthosis
• Observe the Techniques available for FCT removal from patient
• Review Necessary Patient Education for Care and Instruction of their Functional Cast
• Review CPT Billing Strategies

OUTLINE:

• Functional Cast Therapy (FCT)

• Define FCT
• Fiberglass free, latex free, silicone free
• Materials Used in FCT
• Synthetic Stockinette
• Padding
• Zipstick
• Casting tape
• Liner/Edging
• Velcro
• Straps
• FCT for Individuals with Upper Extremity Pathology
• Stable in fracture area, flexible elsewhere
• Alternative to immobilization orthosis or traditional cast
• Advantages and Disadvantages of using FCT
• Upper Extremity Diagnoses Appropriate for FCT
• Fractures, Dislocations
• Pre and Post-Surgical Diagnoses
• Ages: Toddlers to Elderly
• Checklist Prior to Initial Fabrication
• Materials
• Suppliers
• Review the 15 detailed Steps of Application of FCT
• Wrapping Technique with Ace Wrap to Practice on Clinicians Prior to Initial Fabrication of FCT
• Visualize Orthosis and Break out Lab Time for these Orthoses:
• Wrist Cock-Up
• Wrist Cock-Up Alternative
• Thumb Spica
• Short Opponens with IP Included
• Forearm Based Ulnar Gutter
• Hand Based Ulnar Gutter
• Long Arm Orthosis
• Removal Techniques
• Scissors
• Saw
• Patient Education for Care and Instruction of their Functional Cast
• Purpose of FCT
• Machine Washable Instructions
• Don/Doff Instructions
• Review CPT Billing Strategies
• CPT Codes Used
• Cost of FCT Short Arm