Saebo Flex
The SaeboFlex is a custom-fabricated, dynamic Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthosis (WHFO). It is finger and thumb-driven in flexion and cable-driven in extension. The orthosis serves a dual purpose: to support the hand in a functional position while allowing the person to incorporate the hand in functional activities.
Benefits:
- This device supports the wrist, hand, thumb, and fingers in a functional position for those with neurological impairments.
- Helps to prevent and correct contractures of the wrist, hand, thumb, and fingers
- Maintains and improves range of motion in the hand, thumb, fingers, and throughout the entire upper extremity
- Improves strength in the wrist, hand, thumb, fingers, and throughout the entire upper extremity
- Assists with performing functional grasp and release activities using the affected arm/hand
Positioning:
When wearing the SaeboFlex for positioning, the patient should gradually increase the wearing time. (A licensed therapist or health care professional should monitor this.) It should be used during waking hours only. Wearing the SaeboFlex while sleeping is not recommended.
Functional Activities:
We suggest two 45-minute sessions of functional grasp and release activities each day. Discuss this with your Saebo-trained therapist to find the best activities that suit your needs. After each 45-minute session, the SaeboFlex should be removed for at least 30 minutes. It is possible to do more than two 45-minute sessions each day.
Indications:
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury (T.B.I.)
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Individuals suffering from hemiparesis
Contraindications:
- Severe joint deformities in the fingers and thumb secondary to hypermobile or lax joints
- Any inflammatory arthritis in the fingers or thumb
- Limiting fixed contractures in the fingers, thumb, and wrist
- Severe edema in the forearm and hand
- Open wounds or infected areas
- The SaeboFlex was not designed to be used on a normal hand, as the dynamic resistive springs are not calibrated to accommodate normal tone and would not be of any functional benefit.
Precautions:
- If you feel any pain while using the SaeboFlex, stop right away and contact a healthcare professional before using it again.
- If unusual swelling, skin discoloration, discomfort, or numbness occurs, remove immediately and contact a health care professional before resuming.
- Avoid wearing the Saebo Flex for longer than 45 minutes at a time while incorporating it functionally.
- The SaeboFlex should fit snugly yet comfortably without interfering with circulation.
- Keep unsupervised children away from the SaeboFlex, as small parts could cause choking if swallowed.
