Orthotics in Rehabilitation: Splinting the Hand and Body

As an occupational therapist, I have used this book for many years and find it to be invaluable in making custom orthotics for every part of the body. The first several chapters cover the purpose of various forms of orthotics, tissue and joint considerations, design and fabrication principles, tools and materials, and the actual orthotic intervention process (assessment, preparation, fabrication, final instructions, and follow-up). The remainder of the book provides easy to read, step-by-step instructions on how to fabricate a variety of orthotics. The first thing that impressed me about this book is that it has directions for orthotics you don't typically see in splinting books. It covers Sarmiento humeral braces, hemi arm slings, a custom writing/painting orthosis, several elbow flexion/extension correctors, tenodesis splints, belly supports for pregnant women, and compressive orthotics for burns and other extensive scarring. The second thing that impressed me was how detailed the first half of the book is. It would be an excellent resource for someone learning splinting, who doesn't have the luxury of having an experienced therapist at their side. It tells you how to select the right material for the application, then goes on to describe in detail how to heat it, mold it, cool it, finish the edges, fix pressure areas, and attach all of the components. The book is filled with illustrations and they're all well done and very helpful. It's a small book, but it's packed with information. It's a book every clinic should have.