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Publication of the Medical Rehabilitation is under the auspices of the Committee on Rehabilitation, Physical Education and Social Integration of the Polish Academy of Science
Article
Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal
Volume 12 year 2008, Issue number 1
Orthopedic upper limb appliances in post-stroke patients used in prevention of shoulder pain syndrome
Authors: Krzysztof Gieremek, Wojciech Cieśla, Janusz Kubacki, Jolanta Rojczyk-Chmarek
Medical Rehabilitation 2008; 12(1): 25-31
Orthopedic upper limb appliances in post-stroke patients used in prevention of shoulder pain syndrome
Zaopatrzenie ortopedyczne kończyny górnej u chorych po udarze mózgu stosowane w profilaktyce zespołu bolesnego barku
Krzysztof Gieremek 1, Wojciech Cieśla 2, Janusz Kubacki 1, Jolanta Rojczyk-Chmarek 1
1 Department of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
2 Department of Physiotherapy, GWSH Katowice, Poland
Key words
stroke, hemiplegic shoulder, orthopedic upper limb appliances, rehabilitation
Abstract
Shoulder pain constitutes one of the more serious problems that occur after cerebral stroke. According to Wanklyn et al., such ailments concern 65% of patients. The so-called Painful Shoulder Syndrome of Hemiplegic (p.s.s.h) is often a result of negligence and delayed initiation of physiotherapy. Application of appropriate orthopaedic supply is an important element of the therapy. Possibilities of orthopedic appliances of paretic upper limb in post-stroke patients are commonly limited to forearm and arm orthesis or sling. Such equipment is, however, not sufficient, especially for patient’s shoulder joint. Post-stroke processes within the shoulder area occur in 81% of patients resulting in physical therapy difficulties and causing pain and limb dysfunction. The article presents aetiopathogenesis of hemiplegic shoulder; special attention is directed to the most common therapy and nursing mistakes. The article describes market analysis with regard to availability of modern orthopedic equipment for both prevention and treatment of the syndrome of hemiplegic shoulder. Advantages and disadvantages of the following devices were discussed: traditional sling, Itman’s sling, abduction pillow and Aperent Activ apparatus. The new, original type of orthopaedic supply: Hemi-Flex apparatus was described in a wider range. Significant advantages of this type of supply were stressed out, while a conclusion was also drawn that this supply should be an element of standard treatment of patients with paresis or plegia following cerebral stroke.
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