Custom Wrist Hand Orthosis

A custom Wrist Hand Orthosis (WHO) or brace is used to support weak muscles and/or immobilize the motion of the forearm, wrist and hand.  Also known as hand splints, wrist braces, and ulnar deviation correction splints, our device  is customized to specifically meet the unique needs of each patient. 

What conditions do they treat?

Custom WHO's are beneficial for treating a number of medical conditions and injuries.  These include:

• Fracture
• Dislocation
• Ligament Laxity
• Post-operative
• Osteoarthritis ​
• Radial or Ulnar Fracture
• Tendonitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Stroke (CVA)

What are the treatment goals?

We book an hour for your first appointment at which time, Eric Bapty, our Certified Orthotist will  take a medical history and perform a physical examination of your upper limbs which includes an evaluation of  muscle strength, joint alignment and range of motion.  He will then discuss your abilities, support and situation before suggesting a Treatment Plan (TP) based on his assessment and the prescription from your doctor.

Treatment goals:

• Provide wrist and hand stability
• Allow for needed wrist and hand mobility
• Provide foot clearance in swing phase of gait 
• Control bio-mechanical alignment of the wrist and hand
• Redistribute pressures on the wrist and hand
• Limit excessive movements in the wrist and hand
• Protect the wrist and hand

How are WHO's made?

To fulfill your Treatment Plan (TP), Eric, our Certified Orthotist will perform shape capture with the appropriate casting and/or measurements.  Our in-house lab will create a plaster model which Eric modifies to suit your TP.  Wendy, our Orthotic Technician, and Eric will custom fabricate your custom AFO using the recommended materials.

How to use your WHo's

Custom WHO's work best when applied directly against the skin.  Our Certified Orthotist will ensure that the orthotic fit is correct, explain the wearing protocol, and offer information on any additional modalities appropriate for treating your condition.  
While the correction provided may take some time to get used to, the WHO should not be painful.  We provide a follow-up appointment after two weeks to make sure the fit and function are working for you.  We also recommend that you book a follow-up appointment if you experience any redness or bruising, if your wrist and/or hand changes in size or if you experience a re-occurrence of pain.  Our Certified Orthotist can reassess your situation and determine the best course of treatment, which could include modifying the WHO we provided for you, or making new ones. 
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Velcro straps on your WHO need to be kept clear of lint and generally need replacing every year or so.  There is a fee for this service for which we are happy to provide you a quote.

What funding is there?

The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) will fund up to 75% of the cost of a new WHO provided that:

• you are an Ontario resident with an OHIP card
• you have a disability whereby you require the device for longer than six months
• you are not already receiving funding from WSIB or as a Group "A" Veteran
• you have a prescription from a physician
• you have not received an ADP funded WHO from us or another facility within the previous two years (some exceptions apply) 

ADP will cover 100% of the cost provided you meet the above criteria and you are receiving social service benefits from Ontario Works, ACSD or ODSP.

ADP may partially cover the cost for replacing straps.  Please ask us for more details.  

Private Insurance may pay for all or a portion of the cost not covered by ADP.  It is important to consult your insurance company to determine what coverage you may have.  Most companies require a physician's prescription in order to access funding.  Some may request an extensive bio-mechanical analysis from the Certified Orthotist, which we provide at no additional charge.  

There may also be coverage by:

• DVA Taps
• NHIB
• Charitable Organizations

For more information, visit our Funding Page.

guidelines for your Wrist hand orthosis

Please click on the topic for a printable pdf

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Guidelines for your new custom wrist hand orthosis