Case Managers Of Children With Spastic Hemiplegia
(Hemiparesis)

Ultraflex provides a moderately priced viable treatment protocol for children with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis).

Ultraflex makes custom braces for the physically disabled. FirstFlex™ is a new treatment protocol, offered by Ultraflex, that combines a custom molded brace with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

The treatment program is an effective conservative treatment option for children with upper extremity cerebral palsy induced spastic hemiplegia.

What You Will Discover Here:

1. A Brief Summary of Research Results
2. What To Expect From The FirstFlex™ Treatment Protocol
3. Cost Estimates And Comparison To FirstFlex™
4. Inclusion Criteria

1. A Brief Summary of the Research Results

The retrospective study comprised a period of 7 years. The prospective study was conducted over a two+ year period.

In both studies, patients with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis) showed marked improvement when using combined custom bracing and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Contact Us for the complete peer reviewed studies and patient videos or read the research abstracts online.

2. What To Expect From The
FirstFlex™ Treatment Protocol
For Children With Spastic Hemiplegia

• Marked improvement in reach, grasp and pinch.
• Carryover improvement in activities of daily living such as hair combing, dressing and play activities. Long term carryover is unknown.
• Improved strength

3. Cost Estimates and Comparison to FirstFlex™

BOTOX® Injections:

• $250 - $400 per injection
• Frequency - every 3-4 months

Serial Casting:

• Typical protocol involves 5 casts
• Conservative estimate of total cost is $1200
  (includes $500 for maintenance orthosis)

Tendon Transfer/Lengthening:

• Total cost depends on length of surgery and length of hospital
  stay.
• Operating Room - $1000/hour
• Pre and Post Operative testing - $1000
• Room Charge - $725/night
• Miscellaneous lab and testing fees - $500/day
• Anesthesia - $1000- $2000
• Doctor's Charges - $1800 - $2400 for tendon transfer and
  $900 - $1300 for tendon lengthening

Selective Neurectomy:

• Hospitalization and surgical procedures $15,000
• Intensive PT during first year $1500

Baclofen ITB:

• Hospitalization implant procedures, pump $20,000 - $25,000
• Initial medication $400
• Medication refills $1200/year
• New pump needed every 4-5 years

FirstFlex™:

• Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1995 includes custom molded brace made from a cast, stimulation unit and orthotist services/adjustments to ensure proper anatomical fit.

4. Inclusion Criteria

Good candidates for the FirstFlex™ treatment for children with spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis) have:

• Mild to moderate spasticity in their scapula, shoulder and elbow
• Moderate to severe spasticity in their wrist and fingers

• Fixed capsular elbow or wrist contractures
• Extremely poor sensation
• Prior wrist fusions
• Prior tendon transfers
• Prior selective neurectomies

Other evaluation parameters to be determined:

• Patient cognition should be sufficient to understand and follow directions
• Patient motivation
• Parental support

For specific questions about the FirstFlex™ treatment protocol for children with spastic hemiplegia, please call us at 1-800-220-6670.