In general, for Upper Extremity Orthoses the name of the device describes the body segment that it supports, see below:
WHO - Wrist Hand Orthosis This device can be used for various pathologies, including, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid & Osteoarthritis of the wrist and ligament instabilities of the wrist. The WHO is made of either leather or plastic with Velcro straps for attachment.
WHO + Thumb or long opponens, is similar to the WHO but has the addition of a thumb spica to immobilize the thumb or first CMCJ and MCPJ. The long opponens splint is often prescribed for DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis, or for Osteoarthritis of the wrist and thumb.
HO - Hand Orthosis or short opponens, is a short thumb spica that does not extend beyond the wrist. This support is ideal for immobilizing the thumb in cases of Osteoarthritis of the first CMCJ, or MCPJ.
WHFO - Wrist Hand Finger Orthosis or resting splint is a plastic design used most often with contracture of the fingers and wrist after a stroke or with Cerebral Palsy.
EO - Elbow Orthosis: There are a variety of elbow orthoses that are used for many different reasons. A hinged design can be used for medial-lateral stability or to limit or increase Range of Motion of the elbow joint. Off-the-shelf elbow supports such as counterforce straps can be used for Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow. Soft elbow sleeves or pads can be used for protection of a sensitive elbow.
Shoulder Orthosis: Different slings or immobilizers can be used for rotator cuff tears or post-surgery, or with shoulder subluxations and dislocations.
