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Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis For Brachial Plexus

The Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis is designed for brachial plexus patients and patients with hemiplegia who suffer a complete paralysed arm. The basic functions of the orthosis are the suppression of oedema by horizontal positioning of the forearm and the neutralisation of a shoulder subluxation. It is a static orthosis so the controllability need not be considered. The Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis acts like a balanced arm with the weight of the forearm forcing the weight of the upper arm upwards thereby neutralising a shoulder subluxation. 

The Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis is the only device known that fulfills this task in reality. All components are situated near the limb and therefore the orthosis can be worn underneath clothing without problems. One suspension point on the forearm is sufficient for the orthotic function described. This point is created by a tension band that suspends the arm on the shoulder.

A shoulder cap transmits the suspension force to the body; a chest strap keeps the shoulder cap in place. For the prevention of a dropping hand, a second point of suspension is added which is connected with a simple stainless steel tubular frame.

In conclusion, basic biomechanical principals and a good understanding of the inevitable force patterns have resulted in the design of an orthosis for a neutralisation of a shoulder subluxation.

Functional Characteristics

•  Effective neutralisation of a shoulder subluxtion.
• Suppression of oedema.
• Reduce pain.
• Reduce arm sway, thereby reducing the risk of possible injuries.
• Allows passive exo/endo rotation of the humerus.
• Light weight, total weight of orthosis is 200 grams.
• Made from tubular stainless steel.
• Comfortable to wear.
• Soft leather shoulder strap worn between the neck and the humerus.
• Easy donning and doffing.
• Invisible to wear underneath clothing which gives a good cosmetic appearance.

The Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis has been successfully used in the Netherlands for the past thirty years and within the UK for the past five years. With over three thousand successful users we believe that this is the only known orthosis that truly works for brachial plexus lesion and shoulder subluxation.

The Wilmer® Carrying Orthosis is available in both large and normal sizes.