Patients › General-Health

Braces, Splints and Supports

PDF Evidence

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 202617 citations

A well-fitted splint rests and protects the wrist or hand, easing strain on irritated tendons and joints. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

What it is

Braces, splints and supports are devices that hold a part of your body still, or gently guide how it moves. Think of a cast, a splint you can take off for showers, a supportive bandage, or a soft brace on a finger. Your doctor may recommend one after an operation, or instead of an operation, depending on your injury.

They are used for many problems. After keyhole rotator cuff repair in the shoulder, you might wear a sling or a brace [1]. For some wrist fractures, a removable splint can work well and means fewer trips back to hospital [2]. For some knee ligament injuries, a bracing plan offers a way to treat the injury without surgery [3]. Splints can also help a stiff, clicking finger settle down, and they work about as well as steroid injections for that problem in the short term [4]. For stable fractures, a fitted support can be an alternative to a plaster cast [5]. Children with certain ankle fractures do well with a bandage, a removable splint or a walking cast [6].

The idea is simple: your body heals better when the injured part is protected, but not frozen. Too little support can let the injury move and ache. Too much can leave you stiff and weak. Getting that balance right has a big effect on how well you heal and how well the area works afterwards [7]. Some supports hold things completely still for a set time, such as a few weeks in a cast. Others let you move while still taking strain off the healing tissue. Your doctor will choose the type and the wearing plan that suits your injury and your goals.

Does it work?

For many injuries, yes, but the honest answer depends on what the support is being used for. Research has found that a sling works about as well as a brace after keyhole rotator cuff repair in the shoulder [1]. For children with certain ankle fractures, a supportive bandage, a removable splint and a walking cast were all tolerated well, with similar complication rates [2]. Researchers are still weighing up which of those options is best for each child [2].

Some supports do more than hold you still. In trials after rotator cuff repair, electrical stimulation of the shoulder muscles during the weeks in a sling helped prevent early muscle wasting and sped up the return of shoulder strength [3]. For a stiff, aching shoulder, adding gentle upper-back exercises or kinesio taping to shoulder exercises improved pain with activity and day-to-day function [4]. For people with recurring shoulder dislocation, kinesio taping combined with standard rehabilitation improved movement and function more than rehabilitation alone [5]. For some complete knee ligament tears, exercise with a brace and restricted blood flow cuff has shown promise as a way to recover without surgery [6].

The evidence is not strong everywhere. For a stiff, clicking finger, splints and exercises look promising in the short term, but the studies had no comparison group, so it is hard to say how much better they are than other treatments [7]. Newer options such as 3D-printed supports are still being tested, and researchers have flagged concerns about durability and the small size of studies so far [8]. Waterproof casts for children's arm fractures also need more research before their value can be confirmed [9].

What the research does agree on is the principle behind it all. Getting the balance right between moving and resting an injured part has a decisive effect on healing, recovery and how well the area works afterwards [10]. Your doctor will weigh that balance for your specific injury.

What are the risks?

Most of the downsides of a brace, splint or cast come from wearing it, not from the device itself. The main challenge is getting the balance right between holding the injured part still and letting it move. Too much rest can leave you stiff and weak, and too little can let the injury move and ache [1]. That balance has a big effect on how well you heal and how well the area works afterwards [1].

Some discomfort and inconvenience are common. A cast that cannot get wet means extra hospital visits, which is one reason a removable splint can be easier for some wrist fractures [2]. Skin under a support can become sore or irritated, especially if it rubs or is worn for weeks at a time. If a support does not fit well, it may not protect the injury properly.

There are also limits to what the evidence can tell you. For children's ankle fractures, bandages, removable splints and walking casts were all tolerated well, with similar complication rates, but researchers have not settled on which option suits which child [3]. For 3D-printed supports, studies so far have been small and there are open questions about how long they last [4]. Waterproof casts for children's arm fractures also need more research before their benefits are confirmed [5].

A few points worth knowing about specific situations. After keyhole rotator cuff repair, a sling and a brace performed about the same, so the choice of support alone does not decide your outcome [6]. For some wrist fractures in older adults, four weeks in a cast was enough for most people [7]. For a broken scaphoid, the small bone at the base of your thumb, staying in a cast first and operating later if the bone fails to heal worked out better than operating straight away [8] [9].

Is it right for you?

A brace, splint or support may suit you if your injury is stable enough to heal without an operation, or if you need protection for a set time after surgery. Many wrist fractures in older adults heal well with a short time in a cast, and four weeks was enough for most people in one well-run trial [1]. If you have a broken scaphoid, the small bone at the base of your thumb, starting with a cast and operating later only if the bone fails to heal has held up over five years of follow-up [2] [3]. A removable splint for some wrist fractures can also mean fewer trips back to hospital [4].

It may not suit you if your injury needs surgery to heal properly, or if a support cannot hold the injured part still enough. After keyhole rotator cuff repair, a sling and a brace worked about the same, so the type of support alone does not decide your result [5]. For children's ankle fractures, bandages, removable splints and walking casts were all tolerated well, but the choice between them is still an open question [6].

This is a decision to make together with your doctor. They will look at your injury, your age and what you need your hand, wrist, shoulder or knee to do. Ask what would happen with a cast instead, or with surgery instead, and why one option fits you better. The risks section above covers what to watch for while you wear one.

The bottom line

Braces, splints and supports are worth considering for many injuries, and often they are the treatment rather than a step towards surgery. The realistic expectation is protection while you heal, not a faster fix: the device you wear matters less than getting the balance of rest and movement right for your injury [1]. The single most important caveat is that the evidence is still patchy for some options, so ask your doctor why a particular support suits your injury and what the alternatives would be.

---

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.

References

1. Regarding “Sling Is Not Inferior to Brace Immobilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. *Arthroscopy*. 2026. 10.1002/arj.70326
2. Do patients with minimally displaced distal radial fractures need a plaster cast?. *The Bone & Joint Journal*. 2025. 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. 10.1177/2325967126s00013
4. Efficacy of Splinting in Managing Adult Trigger Finger: A Systematic Review of Short-Term Outcomes. *Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online*. 2026. 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100881
5. Outcome analysis of conservative treatment of a distal radius fracture with OPTIVOhand orthosis versus plaster cast: a randomized controlled trial. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2026. 10.1186/s12891-026-09585-4
6. Supportive bandage, removable splint, or walking casts for low-risk ankle fractures in children: a feasibility randomized controlled trial. *The Bone & Joint Journal*. 2025. 10.1302/0301-620x.107b1.bjj-2024-0354.r1
7. Achieving a balance between mobilization and immobilization after surgical or conservative treatment of the hand. *Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)*. 2026. 10.1177/17531934251413908
8. 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. 10.1002/ksa.70303
9. Effects of adding thoracic extension exercises or thoracic kinesio taping to shoulder exercises on pain and function in adults with subacromial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. *Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery*. 2026. 10.1016/j.jse.2026.02.001
10. A retrospective analysis of the promoting effect of kinesio taping on the rehabilitation of military personnel with recurrent shoulder dislocation caused by training injury. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2026. 10.1186/s12891-026-09753-6
11. Conservative treatment using blood flow restriction and brace in individuals with complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture: protocol for a randomised clinical trial. *Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research*. 2025. 10.1186/s13018-025-06285-y
12. 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. 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101038
13. The current state of 3D-printed orthoses clinical outcomes: a systematic review. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-025-09070-4
14. Waterproof casts for the management of upper limb fractures in children. *The Bone & Joint Journal*. 2025. 10.1302/0301-620x.107b6.bjj-2025-0011
15. Adequately Reduced Distal Radial Fractures in Elderly Patients: How Long Should We Immobilize?. *Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery*. 2025. 10.2106/jbjs.25.00333
16. 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. 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0122.r1
17. 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. 10.1302/0301-620x.108b1.bjj-2025-0116.r1

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