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Upper-limb orthoses designed for external modification of the structural and/or functional characteristics of a finger (including the thumb) by providing immobilization and support. These orthoses are usually classified according to the function of the orthoses (e.g., immobilization, therapeutic, functional); the physical characteristics (e.g., shape, consistency); and/or material used to make the orthoses (metal, plastics or a combination of these). Finger upper-limb orthoses may consist of soft orthoses (e.g., a combination of cuffs, straps, and flexible mechanisms) that are intended to provide limited support and stabilization or semi-rigid orthoses that can provide a high degree or total immobilization of the finger and/or finger joint. Dedicated finger and/or thumb orthoses for immobilization after trauma, to provide static and/or dynamic therapy, and for use during normal function of the fingers are available. Finger orthoses intended for specific finger and/or thumb joints are also available.
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