A COTA® is fabricating a splint for a patient who had a palmar contracture release. What is the PRIMARY purpose of the splint?

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Multiple Choice

A COTA® is fabricating a splint for a patient who had a palmar contracture release. What is the PRIMARY purpose of the splint?

Explanation:
After a palmar contracture release, the goal is to keep the fingers in a position that prevents the newly released tissue from tightening again and to restore the hand’s ability to open fully. The splint is used to hold the MCP joints in extension, which helps maintain the length gained at the surgical site and reduces the chance of recurrent flexion contracture. In this context, maximizing finger extension is the primary objective, because it directly supports functional hand opening. While protecting the surgical area is important, it serves secondary to preserving extension and preventing recurrence.

After a palmar contracture release, the goal is to keep the fingers in a position that prevents the newly released tissue from tightening again and to restore the hand’s ability to open fully. The splint is used to hold the MCP joints in extension, which helps maintain the length gained at the surgical site and reduces the chance of recurrent flexion contracture. In this context, maximizing finger extension is the primary objective, because it directly supports functional hand opening. While protecting the surgical area is important, it serves secondary to preserving extension and preventing recurrence.

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