A physical therapist fabricates resting hand splints for a patient with C5 AIS A SCI to position the wrists and fingers in a functional position overnight. Which BEST describes the purpose of this splinting intervention in the context of spasticity management?

A physical therapist fabricates resting hand splints for a patient with C5 AIS A SCI to position the wrists and fingers in a functional position overnight. Which BEST describes the purpose of this splinting intervention in the context of spasticity management?

• A. To permanently eliminate all muscle tone in the upper extremities
• B. To increase spasticity in the finger flexors for improved tenodesis grasp
• C. To replace the need for a standing program
• D. To maintain joint alignment, prevent contractures, and inhibit abnormal tone by positioning the extremity in a tone-reducing posture

Answer: (D)

Positioning the hand with a resting splint aims to limit the development of fixed shortening and abnormal muscle activity after a spinal cord injury. By holding the wrist and fingers in a functional—tone-reducing—alignment, the soft tissues are kept at a length that supports future use and helps decrease reflexive, velocity-dependent spasticity over time. This approach preserves joint integrity, prevents contractures, and provides a stable posture that can dampen abnormal tone during rest. This is why it best describes the goal: maintaining joint alignment, preventing contractures, and inhibiting excessive, abnormal tone through a position that reduces hypertonicity. It’s not about eliminating all muscle tone, increasing spasticity, or replacing other therapies like a standing program.

Positioning the hand with a resting splint aims to limit the development of fixed shortening and abnormal muscle activity after a spinal cord injury. By holding the wrist and fingers in a functional—tone-reducing—alignment, the soft tissues are kept at a length that supports future use and helps decrease reflexive, velocity-dependent spasticity over time. This approach preserves joint integrity, prevents contractures, and provides a stable posture that can dampen abnormal tone during rest.

This is why it best describes the goal: maintaining joint alignment, preventing contractures, and inhibiting excessive, abnormal tone through a position that reduces hypertonicity. It’s not about eliminating all muscle tone, increasing spasticity, or replacing other therapies like a standing program.