Ultraflex
provides a viable treatment protocol for spastic hemiplegia
(hemiparesis).
Ultraflex
makes custom braces for the physically disabled. FirstFlex™,
a treatment protocol offered by Ultraflex, combines a custom
molded brace with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
The
treatment protocol is an effective conservative treatment
option for children with upper extremity cerebral palsy
induced spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis).
What
You Will Discover Here:
1. What To Expect From The FirstFlex™ Treatment Protocol
2. A Brief Summary Of Research Results
3. Inclusion Criteria
4. Casting
5. L-Codes
1. What
To Expect From FirstFlex™
- 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
2. A
Brief Summary Of 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.
3. 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
Treatment
is not recommended if the patient has:
- 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
4. Casting
Casting
is done segmentally, either proximal to distal or distal to
proximal depending on practitioner preference and adverse posturing
during casting.
Standard
cast measurements should be taken as follows:
- Humeral
and forearm proximal and distal circumferences
- Length
from axilla to elbow center
- Elbow
center to wrist axis
- MCP
width
- Index
finger and thumb length
Landmarks
noted on the stockinette should include:
- MCP's
- Palmer
creases
- Wrist
styloids
- Olecranon
- Epicondyles
- Cubital
fold
- Axilla
The
casting tube or tape for cutting should run on the posterior
humurus and the dorsal, forearm and hand.
The
elbow and wrist should be placed in sufficient flexion to enable
full supination of the forearm, as this fully isolates the pronator
terres and allows the biceps to function properly.
5. Coding
and Coverage
We
have a full time reimbursement specialist on staff who
is ready to help you with your patient billing. He has never
had a situation where billing was ultimately rejected as long
as the practitioner followed our guidelines meticulously.
If
you are considering the FirstFlex™ treatment
protocol for your patient with spastic hemiplegia, please call
us at 1-800-220-6670. Our clinical support staff is standing
by ready to assist you.
