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Férulas, tablillas y soportes

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When braces, splints and supports help upper-limb conditions, the main types, how to use them, and what the evidence shows for sprains, tendon problems, arthritis and after surgery.

Updated Sep 2026
Una férula de soporte de tela para la muñeca que se coloca en el antebrazo y la mano.
Una férula bien ajustada permite el descanso y protege la muñeca o la mano, aliviando la tensión sobre los tendones y articulaciones irritados. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

¿Qué son?

Las férulas, tablillas y soportes son dispositivos que mantienen inmóvil una parte del cuerpo o guían su movimiento de forma suave. Piense en un yeso, una tablilla que se puede quitar para ducharse, un vendaje de soporte o una férula blanda para un dedo. Su médico podría recomendarle uno después de una operación, o como alternativa a la cirugía, según la lesión que tenga.

Se utilizan para muchos problemas. Después de una reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador en el hombro, es posible que deba usar un cabestrillo o una férula [1]. En algunas fracturas de muñeca, una tablilla extraíble puede ser muy eficaz y reduce la necesidad de volver al hospital [2]. Para ciertas lesiones de los ligamentos de la rodilla, un programa de uso de soportes constituye una forma de tratar la lesión sin cirugía [3]. Las tablillas también pueden ayudar a calmar un dedo rígido o que hace “clic”; a corto plazo, su efecto es similar al de las inyecciones de esteroides para ese problema [4]. En fracturas estables, un soporte bien ajustado puede ser una alternativa al yeso tradicional [5]. Los niños con ciertas fracturas de tobillo responden bien a un vendaje, una tablilla extraíble o un yeso para caminar [6].

La idea es sencilla: el cuerpo sana mejor cuando la zona lesionada está protegida, pero no inmovilizada por completo. Un soporte insuficiente permite que la lesión se mueva y duela; uno excesivo, en cambio, puede provocar rigidez y debilidad. Lograr ese equilibrio influye enormemente en la calidad de la cicatrización y en el funcionamiento posterior de la zona [7]. Algunos soportes mantienen la zona completamente inmóvil durante un tiempo determinado, como unas pocas semanas con un yeso; otros permiten cierto movimiento mientras siguen aliviando la tensión sobre el tejido en proceso de curación. Su médico elegirá el tipo de soporte y el plan de uso que mejor se adapten a su lesión y a sus objetivos.

¿Funcionan realmente?

En muchos casos, sí; sin embargo, la respuesta honesta depende del propósito para el cual se utiliza el soporte. Las investigaciones han demostrado que un cabestrillo funciona casi igual de bien que una férula tras una reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador en el hombro [1]. En niños con ciertas fracturas de tobillo, tanto el vendaje de soporte como la férula removible y el yeso de inmovilización fueron bien tolerados, presentando tasas de complicaciones similares [2]. Los investigadores siguen evaluando cuál de estas opciones resulta más adecuada para cada niño [2].

Algunos soportes no solo mantienen la zona inmovilizada. En ensayos posteriores a la reparación del manguito rotador, la estimulación eléctrica de los músculos del hombro durante las semanas en que se usaba el cabestrillo ayudó a prevenir la atrofia muscular precoz y aceleró la recuperación de la fuerza en el hombro [3]. En casos de hombro rígido y doloroso, incorporar ejercicios suaves para la parte superior de la espalda o el uso de cinta kinesiológica junto con los ejercicios para el hombro redujo el dolor durante la actividad y mejoró la funcionalidad diaria [4]. En personas con luxaciones recurrentes del hombro, la combinación de cinta kinesiológica y rehabilitación estándar mejoró el rango de movimiento y la función más que la rehabilitación sola [5]. En ciertos desgarros completos de los ligamentos de la rodilla, el ejercicio con férula y un manguito que restringe el flujo sanguíneo parece ser una alternativa prometedora para la recuperación sin necesidad de cirugía [6].

No obstante, la evidencia no es concluyente en todos los casos. Para dedos rígidos y con crujidos, las férulas y los ejercicios parecen ser útiles a corto plazo; sin embargo, como los estudios no incluyeron grupo de control, resulta difícil determinar en qué medida superan a otros tratamientos [7]. Las nuevas opciones, como los soportes impresos en 3D, todavía se están evaluando; los investigadores han señalado preocupaciones respecto a su durabilidad y al reducido tamaño de los estudios realizados hasta ahora [8]. Asimismo, los yesos impermeables para fracturas de brazo en niños requieren más investigación antes de poder confirmar su utilidad [9].

Lo que sí coinciden todos los estudios es el principio fundamental: lograr el equilibrio adecuado entre movimiento e inmovilización de la zona lesionada influye decisivamente en la cicatrización, la recuperación y el posterior funcionamiento de dicha zona [10]. Su médico valorará ese equilibrio según su lesión específica.

¿Cuáles son los riesgos?

La mayoría de los inconvenientes derivados del uso de un soporte, férula o escayola se deben a su uso prolongado, no al dispositivo en sí. El principal desafío consiste en encontrar el equilibrio adecuado entre mantener la zona lesionada inmóvil y permitirle cierto movimiento. Un reposo excesivo puede provocar rigidez y debilidad; en cambio, muy poco reposo permite que la lesión se mueva y duela [1]. Ese equilibrio influye enormemente en la calidad de la cicatrización y en el funcionamiento posterior de la zona afectada [1].

Es normal experimentar cierta molestia e incomodidad. Una escayola impermeable implica tener que acudir al hospital con mayor frecuencia; por eso, para algunas fracturas de muñeca, una férula extraíble puede resultar más práctica [2]. La piel bajo el soporte puede irritarse o enrojecerse, sobre todo si el dispositivo roza la piel o se usa durante varias semanas seguidas. Si el soporte no se ajusta correctamente, quizás no proteja la lesión como debería.

También existen limitaciones en lo que los estudios científicos pueden revelar. En el caso de fracturas de tobillo en niños, tanto los vendajes, las férulas extraíbles como las escayolas permitieron una buena recuperación, con tasas de complicaciones similares; sin embargo, aún no se ha determinado cuál opción conviene a cada niño [3]. En cuanto a los soportes impresos en 3D, los estudios realizados hasta ahora son de tamaño reducido y aún quedan dudas sobre su durabilidad [4]. Asimismo, las escayolas impermeables para fracturas de brazo en niños requieren más investigación antes de confirmar sus beneficios [5].

Hay algunos aspectos relevantes en situaciones específicas. Tras una reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador, tanto el cabestrillo como el soporte mostraron resultados similares; por lo tanto, la elección del soporte por sí sola no determina el desenlace clínico [6]. En el caso de ciertas fracturas de muñeca en adultos mayores, cuatro semanas con escayola fueron suficientes para la mayoría de los pacientes [7]. En fracturas del escafoides, el pequeño hueso situado en la base del pulgar, resultó más eficaz mantener primero la escayola y operar después si el hueso no sanaba, en comparación con la cirugía inmediata [8] [9].

¿Es adecuado para usted?

Una férula, tablilla o soporte podría ser adecuado si su lesión es lo suficientemente estable como para curarse sin cirugía, o si necesita protección durante un período determinado después de una operación. Muchas fracturas de muñeca en adultos mayores sanan bien tras llevar un yeso por poco tiempo; en un estudio bien realizado, cuatro semanas fueron suficientes para la mayoría de los pacientes [1]. En el caso de una fractura del escafoides, el pequeño hueso situado en la base del pulgar, el uso inicial de yeso seguido de cirugía únicamente si el hueso no sana ha demostrado ser eficaz tras más de cinco años de seguimiento [2] [3]. Para ciertas fracturas de muñeca, una férula extraíble también reduce la necesidad de volver al hospital [4].

Sin embargo, podría no ser adecuado si su lesión requiere cirugía para curarse, o si el soporte no logra mantener la zona lesionada lo suficientemente inmóvil. Tras una reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador, tanto el cabestrillo como la férula arrojaron resultados similares; por lo tanto, el tipo de soporte por sí solo no determina el resultado final [5]. En el caso de fracturas de tobillo en niños, tanto los vendajes, las férulas extraíbles como los yesos funcionales fueron bien tolerados; sin embargo, la elección entre ellos sigue siendo un tema abierto [6].

Esta es una decisión que debe tomar junto con su médico. Él evaluará su lesión, su edad y las funciones que necesita realizar con su mano, muñeca, hombro o rodilla. Pregunte qué ocurriría si se usara un yeso o si se optara por la cirugía, y por qué una opción resulta más adecuada para usted. La sección de riesgos anterior detalla lo que debe vigilar mientras utiliza el soporte.

Conclusión

Las férulas, tablillas y soportes merecen ser considerados para muchas lesiones; a menudo constituyen el tratamiento en sí, en lugar de un paso previo a la cirugía. Lo realista es esperar protección durante el proceso de curación, no una recuperación más rápida: el dispositivo que se utilice importa menos que lograr el equilibrio adecuado entre reposo y movimiento según la lesión [1]. La advertencia más importante es que la evidencia científica sigue siendo limitada para algunas opciones; por eso, pregúntele a su médico por qué un determinado soporte es adecuado para su lesión y cuáles serían las alternativas.

Referencias

[1] Sobre “El cabestrillo no es inferior a la inmovilización con férula tras la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado”. Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/arj.70326

[2] ¿Necesitan los pacientes con fracturas distales del radio con desplazamiento mínimo un yeso? The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0634.r1

[3] Resultados a corto plazo del protocolo de férulas cruzadas para el manejo de la rotura del LCA: un estudio de cohorte prospectivo. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00013

[4] Eficacia de la inmovilización con férula en el tratamiento del dedo en gatillo en adultos: una revisión sistemática de los resultados a corto plazo. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100881

[5] Análisis de resultados del tratamiento conservador de fracturas distales del radio con el órtesis OPTIVOhand frente al yeso: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09585-4

[6] Vendaje de soporte, férula removible o yesos para fracturas de tobillo de bajo riesgo en niños: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado de viabilidad. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0354.r1

[7] Lograr un equilibrio entre la movilización y la inmovilización tras el tratamiento quirúrgico o conservador de la mano. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17531934251413908

[8] La estimulación eléctrica muscular de frecuencia media durante la inmovilización puede prevenir la atrofia temprana del músculo deltoides y favorecer la recuperación temprana de la fuerza tras la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/ksa.70303

[9] Efectos de añadir ejercicios de extensión torácica o cinta kinesiológica torácica a los ejercicios de hombro sobre el dolor y la función en adultos con síndrome de dolor subacromial: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.001

[10] Análisis retrospectivo del efecto promotor de la cinta kinesiológica en la rehabilitación de militares con luxación recurrente del hombro causada por lesiones durante el entrenamiento. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09753-6

[11] Tratamiento conservador mediante restricción del flujo sanguíneo y uso de férula en personas con rotura completa del ligamento cruzado anterior: protocolo para un ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06285-y

[12] Eficacia de la órtesis de la articulación interfalángica proximal y los ejercicios terapéuticos en el manejo del dedo en gatillo: una serie de casos prospectiva. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038

[13] Estado actual de los resultados clínicos de las órtesis impresas en 3D: una revisión sistemática. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09070-4

[14] Yesos impermeables para el manejo de fracturas de extremidades superiores en niños. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b6.bjj-2025-0011

[15] Fracturas distales del radio reducidas adecuadamente en pacientes ancianos: ¿cuánto tiempo debemos mantener la inmovilización?. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.25.00333

[16] Eficacia clínica de la fijación quirúrgica temprana frente a la inmovilización con yeso en adultos con fractura de la cintura del escafoides: seguimiento a cinco años del ensayo Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0122.r1

[17] Relación costo-efectividad de la fijación quirúrgica temprana frente a la inmovilización con yeso en adultos con fractura de la cintura del escafoides: seguimiento a cinco años del ensayo Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0116.r1

Reviewed by Kieran Hirpara · 13 June 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Sling immobilization is not inferior to brace immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [1].
  • The conclusion that sling immobilization is not inferior to brace immobilization cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization [1].
  • Removable splints can be used safely for minimally displaced distal radial fractures [2].
  • Treatment with removable splints for minimally displaced distal radial fractures saves patients time and inconvenience regarding additional hospital visits [2].
  • Treatment with removable splints for minimally displaced distal radial fractures saves the healthcare system money [2].
  • The Cross Brace Protocol provides an additional non-operative option for ACL injuries [3].
  • The Cross Brace Protocol may be associated with satisfactory anatomical and functional healing for certain patient groups with ACL injuries [3].
  • Proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement in the management of trigger finger [4].
  • Findings regarding proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise for trigger finger cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments due to the absence of a control group [4].
  • Four weeks of cast immobilization is sufficient for most distal radial fractures in elderly patients [5].
  • Splinting is an effective short-term conservative treatment for trigger finger [6].
  • Splinting offers symptom relief and functional improvement comparable to corticosteroid injections for trigger finger [6].
  • Kinesiotaping can be considered an alternative choice of supplementary treatment together with exercise therapy for shin splints [7].
  • Supportive bandage, removable splint, and walking casts are all well tolerated with similar complication rates for low-risk ankle fractures in children [8].
  • There remains equipoise regarding the best treatment of low-risk ankle fractures in children among supportive bandage, removable splint, and walking casts [8].
  • Orthoses offer a good alternative to plaster casts for the conservative treatment of distal radius fractures, especially for stable fracture types [9].
  • Adult patients with a fracture of the waist of the scaphoid displaced by ≤ 2 mm should be treated initially with immobilization in a cast [14].
  • Early fixation of a nonunion is recommended following initial cast immobilization for adult patients with a fracture of the waist of the scaphoid displaced by ≤ 2 mm [14].

How It Works

  • Sling immobilization is not inferior to brace immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, though this conclusion cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization [1].
  • Removable splints for minimally displaced distal radial fractures save patients time and inconvenience regarding additional hospital visits and save the healthcare system money [2].
  • The Cross Brace Protocol provides an additional non-operative option for ACL injuries and may be associated with satisfactory anatomical and functional healing for certain patient groups [3].
  • Proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise for trigger finger demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement but cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments due to the absence of a control group [4].
  • Splinting is an effective short-term conservative treatment for trigger finger, offering symptom relief and functional improvement comparable to corticosteroid injections [6].
  • Supportive bandage, removable splint, and walking casts for low-risk ankle fractures in children are all well tolerated with similar complication rates [8].
  • Orthoses offer a good alternative to plaster casts, especially for stable fracture types [9].
  • Pain and functional outcomes after primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with no immobilization are comparable to those obtained with a 3-week immobilization period [10].
  • Union consolidated in patients with scaphoid waist fractures and > 20% bridging without intervention between one and five years after randomization [11].
  • Symptom severity, pain, hand function, and orthosis wearability outcomes support interchangeable use of relative motion and metacarpophalangeal joint blocking orthoses for managing trigger finger [12].
  • Maintaining an appropriate balance between mobilization and immobilization is a central challenge in hand rehabilitation and has a decisive impact on tissue healing, functional recovery, and patient outcomes [15].
  • The application of mid-frequency electrical muscle stimulation during the immobilization period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair effectively prevented early post-operative deltoid muscle atrophy and accelerated early recovery of shoulder muscle strength [17].

What the Evidence Shows

Upper Extremity Fractures and Dislocations

  • Sling immobilization is not inferior to brace immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, though the conclusion cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization [1].
  • Orthoses offer a good alternative to plaster casts, especially for stable fracture types, in the conservative treatment of distal radius fractures [9].
  • Pain and functional outcomes are comparable between no immobilization and a 3-week immobilization period in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [10].
  • Union consolidated in patients with greater than 20% bridging without intervention between one and five years after randomization for scaphoid waist fractures [11].
  • Adult patients with a fracture of the waist of the scaphoid displaced by 2 mm or less should be treated initially with immobilization in a cast, followed by early fixation of a nonunion [14].
  • Waterproof casts provide an alternative to standard casts with improved functional outcomes, comfort, and less itching at the time of cast removal for upper limb fractures in children [13].

Lower Extremity Fractures and Ligament Injuries

  • Athletes who underwent ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace reported excellent midterm patient-reported outcomes statistically similar to those after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, including the proportion successfully returning to preinjury sport [22].
  • The embrace technique yielded equivalent outcomes compared with suture button fixation for managing syndesmotic injuries [23].

Hand and Soft Tissue Conditions

  • Proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement for trigger finger, but cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments due to the absence of a control group [4].

Practical Considerations

  • The conclusion that sling immobilization is not inferior to brace immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization [1].
  • Treating patients with minimally displaced distal radial fractures using a removable splint saves them time and inconvenience regarding additional hospital visits [2].
  • Treating patients with minimally displaced distal radial fractures using a removable splint saves the healthcare system money [2].
  • Findings from a prospective case series on proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise for trigger finger demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement [4].
  • Findings from a prospective case series on proximal interphalangeal joint orthosis and therapeutic exercise for trigger finger cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments due to the absence of a control group [4].
  • There remains equipoise regarding the best treatment of low-risk ankle fractures in children [8].
  • Supportive bandage, removable splint, and walking casts all appear well tolerated with similar complication rates for low-risk ankle fractures in children [8].
  • Pain and functional outcomes are comparable to those obtained with a 3-week immobilization period in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [10].
  • Waterproof casts provide an alternative to standard casts for upper limb fractures in children [13].
  • Waterproof casts provide improved functional outcomes, comfort, and less itching at the time of cast removal compared to standard casts for upper limb fractures in children [13].
  • Limitations of 3D-printed orthoses include small sample sizes, lack of standardized assessment methods, and durability concerns [16].
  • In the absence of routine access to expert psychosocial/psychological practitioners, trauma clinicians provided psychosocial support using a variety of approaches [18].
  • The use of various approaches by trauma clinicians for psychosocial support results in disparities in how psychosocial care is provided to patients in Australia and New Zealand [18].
  • Initial cast immobilization with fixation for nonunion is the optimal form of treatment for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture [19].
  • The small quality-adjusted life year gains for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture who underwent surgery initially were not sufficient to justify the higher costs compared to initial cast immobilization [19].
  • Use of a codesigned patient decision aid in practice was feasible for patients considering total knee arthroplasty [20].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] They argue that the conclusion that sling immobilization is 'not inferior' to brace immobilization cannot be attributed solely to the type of immobilization. [1] (10.1002/arj.70326)
  • [L2] If patients can be treated safely using a removable splint, this will save them time and inconvenience in terms of additional visits to the hospital, and save the healthcare system money. [2] (10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0634.r1)
  • [L2] The Cross Brace Protocol provides an additional non-operative option for ACL injuries and may be associated with satisfactory anatomical and functional healing for certain patient groups. [3] (10.1177/2325967126s00013)
  • [L4] Because of the absence of a control group, these findings demonstrate feasibility and short-term clinical improvement but cannot establish superiority over other conservative treatments. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038)
  • [L5] The authors should be commended for a well-designed, well-executed randomized controlled trial that makes a compelling case that 4 weeks of cast immobilization is sufficient for most distal radial fractures in elderly patients. [5] (10.2106/jbjs.25.00333)
  • [L2] Splinting is an effective short-term conservative treatment for trigger finger, offering symptom relief and functional improvement comparable to corticosteroid injections. [6] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100881)
  • [L5] Shin Splints is a rare antity and when diagnosed; kinesiotaping can be thought as an alternative choice of supplementary treatment together with exercise therapy. [7] (10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70151-7)
  • [L2] There remains equipoise regarding the best treatment of these injuries, with all three treatments appearing well tolerated with similar complication rates. [8] (10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0354.r1)
  • [L1] Hence, orthoses offer a good alternative to plaster casts, especially for stable fracture types. [9] (10.1186/s12891-026-09585-4)
  • [L1] The pain and functional outcomes are comparable to those obtained with a 3-week immobilization period. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.015)
  • [L1] Between one and five years after randomization, union consolidated in those with > 20% bridging without intervention. [11] (10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0125.r1)
  • [L1] Symptom severity, pain, hand function, and orthosis wearability outcomes support interchangeable use of relative motion and metacarpophalangeal joint blocking orthoses for managing trigger finger. [12] (10.1016/j.jht.2025.05.018)
  • [L1] Waterproof casts provide an alternative to standard casts with improved functional outcomes, comfort, and less itching at the time of cast removal. [13] (10.1302/0301-620x.107b6.bjj-2025-0011)
  • [L1] The recommendation that adult patients with a fracture of the waist of the scaphoid which is displaced by ≤ 2 mm should be treated initially with immobilization in a cast, followed by early fixation of a nonunion, is further corroborated by these findings. [14] (10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0122.r1)
  • [L5] The review highlights that maintaining an appropriate balance between mobilization and immobilization is a central challenge in hand rehabilitation and has a decisive impact on tissue healing, functional recovery and patient outcomes. [15] (10.1177/17531934251413908)
  • [L1] However, limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of standardized assessment methods, and durability concerns must be addressed through further research. [16] (10.1186/s12891-025-09070-4)
  • [L3] The application of the MFEMS during immobilization period after ARCR effectively prevented early post-operative deltoid muscle atrophy and accelerated early recovery of shoulder muscle strength. [17] (10.1002/ksa.70303)
  • [L5] In the absence of routine access to expert psychosocial/psychological practitioners, trauma clinicians provided psychosocial support using a variety of approaches which results in disparities in how psychosocial care is provided to patients in Australia and New Zealand. [18] (10.1016/j.injury.2026.113198)
  • [L1] Initial cast immobilization with fixation for nonunion is the optimal form of treatment for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture, as the small quality-adjusted life year gains for those who underwent surgery initially were not sufficient to justify the higher costs. [19] (10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0116.r1)
  • [L1] Use of the aid in practice was feasible. [20] (10.1016/j.arth.2025.05.104)
  • [L3] Athletes who underwent UCL repair with internal brace reported excellent midterm PROs statistically similar to those after UCL reconstruction, including proportion successfully returning to preinjury sport. [22] (10.1177/03635465251314054)
  • [L3] The embrace technique yielded equivalent outcomes compared with suture button fixation for managing syndesmotic injuries. [23] (10.1186/s13018-025-06620-3)

References

[1] Regarding “Sling Is Not Inferior to Brace Immobilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/arj.70326

[2] Do patients with minimally displaced distal radial fractures need a plaster cast?. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0634.r1

[3] Short-term Outcomes of the Cross Brace Protocol for ACL Rupture Management: A Prospective Cohort Study. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00013

[4] Effectiveness of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Orthosis and Therapeutic Exercise in the Management of Trigger Finger: A Prospective Case Series. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038

[5] Adequately Reduced Distal Radial Fractures in Elderly Patients: How Long Should We Immobilize?. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.25.00333

[6] Efficacy of Splinting in Managing Adult Trigger Finger: A Systematic Review of Short-Term Outcomes. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100881

[7] PS2 The effect of kinesiotaping with exercise therapy for the treatment of shin splints: a case report. Injury. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70151-7

[8] Supportive bandage, removable splint, or walking casts for low-risk ankle fractures in children: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0354.r1

[9] Outcome analysis of conservative treatment of a distal radius fracture with OPTIVOhand orthosis versus plaster cast: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-026-09585-4

[10] Three-week immobilization vs. no immobilization in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2025.02.015

[11] Radiological outcome of early surgical fixation versus cast immobilization for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture: five-year follow-up of the Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0125.r1

[12] A randomized comparative trial: Relative motion vs metacarpophalangeal joint blocking orthoses for trigger finger management. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2025.05.018

[13] Waterproof casts for the management of upper limb fractures in children. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2025. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.107b6.bjj-2025-0011

[14] Clinical effectiveness of early surgical fixation versus cast immobilization for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture: five-year follow-up of the Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0122.r1

[15] Achieving a balance between mobilization and immobilization after surgical or conservative treatment of the hand. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17531934251413908

[16] The current state of 3D-printed orthoses clinical outcomes: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09070-4

[17] Mid‐frequency electrical muscle stimulation during immobilization may prevent early deltoid muscle atrophy and promote early strength recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2026. DOI: 10.1002/ksa.70303

[18] Delivering psychosocial care and support in traumatic injury follow-up: A qualitative study of clinician’s experiences.. Injury. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2026.113198

[19] Cost-effectiveness of early surgical fixation versus cast immobilization for adults with a scaphoid waist fracture: five-year follow-up of the Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2026. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0116.r1

[20] A Codesigned Patient Decision Aid Supports the Decision Quality of Patients Considering Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2025.05.104

[22] Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465251314054

[23] Outcomes of suture button fixation versus embrace fixation for syndesmotic injury. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06620-3

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