Product Description
Benik's Pediatric Hand Sizing Kit includes eight graduated, die-cut BD-88-style hand splints that allow you to determine the correct stock size or as a starting point for custom sizing measurements. The Pediatric Hand Sizing Kit is a vital tool to ensure correct sizes for ALL of Benik's pediatric hand and wrist splints.
Benik's Pediatric Hand Sizing Kit helps determine sizes for all of our pediatric hand splints. The BD-88 splints in this kit have all been die cut for accuracy. The neoprene used in the fabrication of the splints is ordered 3mm thick. However, manufacturing tolerances from our supplier are +/- 5%, so the actual thickness may vary slightly. Thicker neoprene will decrease the inside diameter of a die cut splint, while thinner neoprene will increase the inside diameter. These variations are infrequent, but possible.
The splints in this kit are manufactured in two different styles. Sizes AAAA and AAA, because of their size, require a special cut to function properly. They are available only with a Velcro® closure. Sizes AAB through D are available as pull-on splints or with a Velcro® closure at a slight additional charge. Please remember that these splints are either for the right or left hand, and it is important to specify which hand when ordering.
The measurement of the thumb is key in providing a splint that fits. Once the thumb size is determined, measurements at the MCPs and wrist are required. Measurements to the nearest 1/8" are most helpful. If a splint arrives too tight or loose, adjustments can be made.
Options
There are a number of options available when it appears the standard BD-88 won't quite perform your desired task. Please remember, however, the sizing kit is still your starting point for a modified splint.
Adding a Velcro® closure is the most common option specified. This makes the splint much easier to put on. One possible negative is that it becomes much easier for the child to remove.
The standard Velcro® closure runs the entire length of the splint. Standard location for a full closure is the ulnar side of the splint.
The addition of proximal length is a common option. To determine the amount of proximal length to add, first choose the best fit from the splints in the sizing kit. Next, measure from the end of the chosen splint to the desired point on the forearm where the splint will now be ending. Finally, measure the circumferences at the wrist and new ending at the forearm. Please note the additional length makes a Velcro® closure mandatory.
Thermoplastic stays can be added to any of Benik's splints. By heating the splint in a microwave, the stay becomes pliable and contours to your patient for a custom fit. Simply specify the location. To view the most frequently requested locations, please refer to our options page.
Pockets with or without removable malleable aluminum stays are also available. A palmer pocket with stay is most commonly specified. Our optional malleable aluminum stays are easily modified for a custom fit and can be removed as rehab progresses. If you prefer, you can provide your own splinting material. A slit in the neoprene on the inside of the splint allows for insertion and removal of splinting material.
Supinator straps are requested for some of our products. We supply a loop Velcro® attachment point to the palmer side of the splint and a length of Velcro® sensitive neoprene to spiral the arm. The strap can be applied or removed from the splint as desired.
Color has become a fun option for our splints. Therapists have reported dramatic improvement in patient cooperation when the child is able to choose his or her favorite color for the splint.
Ventilated Neoprene - For some of our customers in warm weather climates the heat retention of neoprene can become uncomfortable. In spite of this inconvenience, the beneficial characteristics of closed-cell foam neoprene, which we use to fabricate our splints, make it the best material to work with. Open-cell foam has poor stretch and compression, and non-cellular fabrics won't create the splint required for your tasks.
Our best alternative is ventilated neoprene. Our supplier perforates – punches holes in – the neoprene prior to lamination to create ventilation, which releases some of the trapped heat. There is a slight increase in price for this neoprene, but the feedback from our customers has been positive. Please remember, however, that any surface area of the splint covered by seam tape, Velcro® or a pocket will also cover the ventilation in that area.
Allergies / Reactions
Allergies or similar reactions are very rare with our products. However slight the possibility of reaction, it remains important to monitor the skin when a splint is worn. Allergic reactions generally appear within the first few hours. Reactions that occur days or weeks later can often be attributed to heat, moisture or hygiene issues. Please see next section for care and cleaning.
• Should swelling, skin discoloration, rash or discomfort occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
• Be careful that the splint does not fit so tight that circulation is impaired.
• People with a tendency to develop dermatitis or with broken skin should avoid using neoprene.
• Our raw material suppliers have informed us that no part of our splints contain latex.
Care and Cleaning
To clean Benik neoprene products, wash gently in warm water using a mild soap, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Do not dry clean or expose to heat or sunlight for extended periods of time. To receive maximum life and comfort from neoprene material, wash frequently to remove body oils and other soil. To eliminate odors, Benik offers a natural and effective solution to treat neoprene products. Contact us for more information.
Some General Notes
It is not uncommon to want to modify a splint in the field after a child has worn it. We try to make our splints as user friendly as possible to allow you to make these modifications. Most of the seams on our splints are taped rather than sewn. This allows you trim the splints without the worry of thread unstitching. As a child's hand grows, the length of the cone-shaped thumb can be trimmed to increase the size without damaging the seams of the thumb.
Full Velcro® closures on splints with additional proximal length are generally fabricated with Velcro® sensitive neoprene. This material can be trimmed with scissors for a tailored fit. lease remember to secure a stitched seam with needle and thread if either end of a stitched seam is trimmed off.
