Orthotic Fabrication - Nbcot Registered Occupational Therapists Otr

1. What is the primary biomechanical purpose of a serial static orthosis?

   Remodel tissue by repeated recasting at end range to increase ROM

2. What is the standard positioning goal of a resting hand orthosis for tissue protection?

   Maintain functional position to minimize contracture risk and support healing

3. Which orthosis modification most directly increases overall rigidity?

   Increase material thickness or add a reinforcing ridge/contour

4. Which design principle best improves mechanical advantage for motion control?

   Increase lever arm length by extending trim lines proximally and distally

5. What is the best orthotic strategy for a joint with acute inflammation and pain?

   Immobilize or rest in a protected position; avoid aggressive end-range stretch

6. Which orthosis is indicated to prevent clawing in ulnar nerve palsy?

   MCP flexion (anti-claw) orthosis

7. What is the primary purpose of rounding and smoothing orthosis edges?

   Prevent skin breakdown from sharp edges and reduce friction

8. What is the primary biomechanical purpose of a static orthosis?

   Immobilize or position a body part to protect tissues and support healing

9. What is the primary purpose of flaring an orthosis edge during modification?

   Reduce edge pressure and shear; improve comfort and skin protection

10. Which orthosis is commonly fabricated to manage radial nerve palsy with wrist drop?

    Wrist extension assist (dynamic) orthosis

11. What is the biomechanical definition of a three-point pressure system in orthoses?

    One primary force opposed by two counterforces to create corrective control

12. Which orthosis is typically used to protect a mallet finger injury at the DIP joint?

    DIP extension orthosis maintaining full extension continuously

13. What is the primary biomechanical purpose of a dynamic orthosis?

    Provide controlled motion using elastic force to assist or resist movement

14. What is the primary biomechanical purpose of a static-progressive orthosis?

    Apply nonelastic adjustable force to increase ROM via stress relaxation

15. What is the pressure relationship when orthotic contact area increases?

    Pressure decreases as area increases: $P = \frac{F}{A}$

16. What is the key clinical principle for orthotic force during tissue remodeling?

    Use low-load prolonged stretch (LLPS) to avoid inflammation and pain

17. Identify the main orthotic design change to reduce skin pressure at a bony prominence.

    Increase total contact area and add relief over the prominence

18. Which tissue-healing phase best supports progressive strengthening and higher loads?

    Maturation (remodeling) phase

19. Which tissue-healing phase is most appropriate for initiating gentle controlled motion?

    Proliferative (fibroblastic) phase

20. Identify the best modification if distal edema increases after orthosis application.

    Loosen straps, avoid circumferential constriction, and ensure venous return

21. Which wear schedule is safest when initiating a new thermoplastic orthosis?

    Short initial wear with frequent skin checks, then gradual increase as tolerated

22. Which tissue-healing phase generally requires maximal protection and immobilization?

    Inflammatory phase

23. Find the best correction: Patient reports numbness after splinting; what modification is first?

    Reduce pressure at nerve-compression areas by contouring and adding relief

24. Which orthosis modification most directly increases flexibility at a specific segment?

    Thin, perforate, or shorten the lever arm in that region

25. Identify the most appropriate orthotic approach for a PIP flexion contracture.

    Static-progressive or serial static extension orthosis

Study these flashcards