Instructional Concurrent Session 2

This session presents a structured, timeline-based decision tree to guide orthotic selection for children with BPBI at risk for glenohumeral dysplasia. Content is organized around three core domains: (1) biomechanics, pathology and anatomy of dysplasia progression, (2) clinical variables influencing orthotic decision-making, and (3) comparative application of orthotic strategies within a unified framework.

The session will begin with a review of the muscular imbalance patterns that contribute to altered joint loading and progressive deformity. Imaging correlation, clinical observations and developmental considerations will be integrated to establish objective decision variables. Presenters will then introduce a visual clinical decision tree organized by referral timeline, clinical and radiographic risk factors, in-orthosis observations, developmental stage, passive range, muscle activation, spontaneous recovery patterns, caregiver ability and functional goals.

Orthotic strategies, including dynamic strapping, external rotation positioning approaches, and static structured orthoses, will be examined within the decision tree rather than as isolated interventions. Indications, advantages, limitations, and integration into broader management (including surgical planning when applicable) will be discussed. 

Active learning will be incorporated through case-based application. Participants will be presented with progressive pediatric cases and prompted to apply the decision tree in real time using guided questioning and audience response methods. Imaging findings and functional presentation will be analyzed collaboratively to reinforce clinical reasoning and meet learning objectives related to analysis, application, and differentiation.

The session concludes with implementation considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration strategies, and identification of current evidence gaps to support continued professional growth and resilience in practice.

This will be an interactive instructional session where participants will learn how to approach and design treatment plans for pediatric patients with burn wounds to the upper extremities. Various cases will be explored to provide insight on anticontracture positioning, orthoses, scar management, and therapeutic activities used in this specialty population. This session will include an interactive discussion with both new and seasoned therapists who want to expand their skill set and be prepared when they come across a small or large pediatric burn.

Pediatric upper-extremity specialists commonly treat youth athletes that have suffered an injury and are well equipped to treat the early rehabilitation of such injuries. Where they become more challenged is when it is time to develop return to sport testing and the development of advanced sports-based rehabilitation. It starts with a criteria-based return to play process for injured youth athletes that can be communicated to the patient, parents and coaches. The clinician needs to understand open-chain, closed-chain, strength, force development, stability, endurance and psychological readiness assessments for the upper-extremity specialist to develop treatment plans for the injured youth athlete. Then, they must develop sports-based advanced rehabilitation programs to gradually expose the patent to the stress of the sport.

Sports participation continues to rise in the youth population resulting in increases in acute and overuse upper-extremity injuries leading to time away from play and loss of sport’s skill development. The upper-extremity therapist requires additional specialized skills to provide optimal care for these patients. This session will discuss the return to play process, return to play testing and advanced sports-based rehabilitation of upper-extremity injuries in youth athletes. Case examples from a variety of sports will be utilized to demonstrate return to sport testing and programming to maximize outcomes and safe participation in youth sports.