RELATIVE MOTION ORTHOSIS

Introduction

Relative motion orthosis is a small, multiple-finger-based orthosis extremely beneficial in hand rehabilitation. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in multiple hand conditions.Its used for protection, alignment, and for exercises.In clinical practice, hand surgeon Dr. Merritt introduced relative motion orthosis for early mobilization protocol for extensor tendon rehabilitation after zone five and six repairs. Now it is being used in flexor tendon rehabilitation and many more hand conditions.it is very effective in protecting fragile healing tissues, improving function, reducing pain or tissue irritability, or increasing joint motion or tendon excursion.

Indications

The RM orthosis is a finger-based mobilisation orthosis that positions the affected digit or digit's MCPJ in slightly greater extension or flexion than the adjacent MCPJs, known as relative motion extension (RME) or relative motion flexion (RMF) orthoses, respectively. When used as an exercise orthosis, motion is permitted at all joints, however, the arc of motion at the intended MCPJ is restricted, which has been hypothesized to impose a biomechanical advantage to transmit torque distally and influence motion at the PIPJ. It is used in many hand conditions including :

1. Extensor tendon repairs (zone 4 to zone 6) and extensor tendon grafts
2. Arthritis
3. Boutonniere deformity
4. Flexor and digital nerve repairs

Advantages

The RM orthosis offers several key benefits that make it a good choice for hand rehabilitation and treatment. The following list highlights its advantages clinical settings:

• It reduces post-operative stiffness and deformity at PIP joint and extensor lag in the finger in extensor tendon injuries.
• It has a relatively low profile design, simple and inexpensive
• It decreases rehabilitation time and improves functional recovery.