The platform transfer splint: 2 case reports of a mobility aide for persons with arm injuries or conditions

Limited or impaired mobility is a major obstacle to maximizing length of st ay efficiency for inpatient rehabilitation. Trauma patients and others with multiple limb impairments present a mobility challenge to all rehabilitati on centers. Of particular concern are patients with forearm fractures who a n nonambulatory. With shorter inpatient stays, patients are being discharge d home or to other settings with continued weightbearing restrictions. Thes e patients put great demands on their care,divers as a result of their limi ted mobility. The Platform Transfer Splint (PTS) has been developed to over come limitations seen in this patient population. It is an upper extremity splint that allows weight bearing through the humerus for patients with imp airments of the forearm or hand. With use of the PTS, patients can become i ndependent in transfers and wheelchair propulsion. Two case studies are pre sented to show the impact of the PTS on patient mobility and discharge disp osition. Fabrication of the splint is also discussed.