29/09/2026
When a newborn was diagnosed with a congenital deformity with a radial deviation posture, occupational therapist Hellen Delchova recognized the potential for conservative correction thanks to the baby’s good soft tissue flexibility. Using a custom-made wrist-hand orthosis fabricated from Orfit Eco 2.4 mm thermoplastic, treatment began during the baby's very first week of life.
The choice of material played an important role in the treatment process. Because the deformity was flexible and showed good potential for correction through serial positioning, Hellen needed a material that could maintain the achieved alignment while allowing adjustments throughout treatment. At the same time, the orthosis had to be lightweight, comfortable, and highly moldable to accommodate the fragility and small size of a newborn's limb.
"For this case, I chose Orfit Eco 2.4 mm because it provided the ideal balance between rigidity and practicality. It offered enough support to maintain the corrected position while remaining lightweight, comfortable, and easy to adapt as treatment progressed."
Five months later, the results are remarkable, as you can see in the pictures.
Beyond the clinical outcome, maintaining the baby's ability to move, play, explore, and develop motor skills throughout treatment was a key priority. The design allowed full participation in daily activities, while the family found the orthosis easy to use and integrate into their routine.
"One of my main goals was to maintain the baby’s ability to move and interact with the environment throughout treatment. Because the orthosis is lightweight, functional, and leaves the hand free, he has been able to play, explore, and develop his motor skills normally. The family has also adapted very well to the treatment. His parent reports that the orthosis is easy to put on, remove, clean, and manage in their daily routine, and the baby adapted to wearing it from the very beginning."
This case highlights how early intervention and thoughtfully designed orthoses can support excellent outcomes for newborns with flexible congenital hand deformities. Thank you for sharing, Hellen!
