Optoelectronic measurement of wrist movements in various casts and orthoses used in scaphoid fractures.

We developed an optoelectronic motion analysis protocol to measure anatomical and functional ranges of wrist motion in Colles'-type and scaphoid-type splints and casts. The protocol was used to study the restriction of wrist motion in casts and splints in ten healthy volunteers. Scaphoid-type casts were no more restrictive to wrist motion than Colles'-type casts, but casts were significantly more restrictive than removable splints. Removable splints were more restrictive than no immobilization. Results suggest there is no benefit in using scaphoid-type casts rather than Colles'-type casts to reduce wrist motion.