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166 Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 1981, 5
In the development of the new wheelchair
concept three important parameters have been
considered: different, individual forms of
disability, different kinds of manipulation and
characteristic problems of target groups.
The concept of an "indoor"-wheelchair with
slight limitation of outdoor functions is of
modular construction (seat and chassis). The
wheelchair has a solid, upholstered seat. The
backrest is adjustable through a gas loaded
spring and allows two seating positions (working
position and resting position). The seat can be
folded together and taken off the chassis in one
move. The chassis collapses easily through a well
integrated folding mechanism. The armrest can
be raised or lowered individually.
Book Review
Hand Splinting, Principles and Methods. Fess, E.
E., Gettle, K. S. and Strickland, J. W. The C. V.
Mosby Company, St. Louis, Toronto, London,
1981,317p. £23.50p.
Hand splinting is a subject which traditionally
attracts proportionally less attention in orthotic
literature than, for instance, the orthotic
management of the lower extremity.
Nevertheless, its importance and value
command increasing attention as an essential
part of the rehabilitation of the functionally
impaired hand.
"Hand Splinting—Principles and Methods"
has been written by two hand therapists and an
orthopaedic surgeon. It describes the anatomy
and kinesiology of the hand in relation to hand
function, outlines the mechanical properties
required of splints, describes the categories of
existing splints and introduces a proposed new
method classification. Further chapters deal
broadly with the design, fit and construction of
splints before describing the various types which
can be applied to the wrist, fingers and thumb.
Readers who are not hand therapists will be
attracted to the chapter relating to exercise and
splinting for specific problems. Finally the book
analyses examples of patients with typical clinical
problems and describes suitable solutions.
Readers will find this book easy to read and
well illustrated. It is based on the experiences of
the writers in the Hand Rehabilitation Center of
Indiana and concentrates on basic principles
relating to the design and application of splints.
This is in contrast to much contemporary
literature which frequently tends to list
particular types of orthoses for specific
conditions. The writers' approach is to
emphasize the need to maintain flexible attitudes
to splinting techniques and not to be drawn to
"set" solutions.
Little information is forwarded regarding
materials which are most suited to hand
splintage. Whilst low temperature
thermoplastics have generally reduced
fabrication times and allow modification to be
accomplished in the clinic, stronger materials are
required particularly for the fabrication of
durable splints. In spite of this small omission,
readers will find this a well constructed and
comprehensive book and a valuable guide to
splinting techniques.
D. A. Carus.
Tayside Rehabilitation Engineering Services.
Limb Fitting Centre.
Dundee, Scotland.