Wilmer2 Carrying orthosis

Repositioning of the shoulder, thanks to a smart balancing construction

More function - Less pain

The Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis is a custom-made shoulder orthosis (also known as shoulder brace or shoulder splint) intended for people suffering from a (partially) dislocated shoulder (shoulder (sub)luxation). This often painful situation prevents proper functional uses of the affected arm. The arm hangs from its capsule and ligaments and in time dislocates further and further.
With the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis (Abbreviated W2DO), the upper arm pushes itself upwards, reducing tension on the joint capsule and tendons. The pain is relieved by bringing the shoulder head back into its joint position again, regaining some of the arm functions.

Specifications of the Wilmer Carrying Orthosis

Effective neutralisation of shoulder subluxation.
Regain some of the arm functions.
Reduced chance on oedema formation in hand, fingers and forearm.
Less pain and discomfort in arm and shoulder.
No neck loading.
Only minor limitation of arm mobility.
Can be worn fully underneath clothing.
High wearing comfort partly because of open and lightweight construction.
Weight of the forearm orthosis: 95 gram
Weight of shoulder strap: 75 gram.
With unlocking system to stretch the arm.

Wilmer 2 Carrying Orthosis with handsupport

Additional specifications and models of the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis

Standard Unit – With hand support
- Supports the affected arm, but leaves hand and fingers free.
Hand model
- Not only supports the forearm but also the hand and wrist by means of a hand support.
All units are available in left and right models
Minimal length of the forearm (measured from the biceps to the wrist): 18 cm.
Circumference wrist must be between 15 and 27 cm and thickest point of the forearm must be at least 20 cm and maximal 35 cm.
On request, an orthosis can be delivered with a different size.
The carrying orthosis is preferably worn underneath clothing, but can be worn on top of clothing. The orthosis slips somewhat easier in that case.

Shoulder (sub)luxation: causes and backgrounds

Stroke

The causes of shoulder (sub)luxation is usually the paralysis of the muscles around the shoulder (especially Supraspinatus muscle) by brain damage such as a (stroke (CVA)) or a Brachial Plexus lesion.

What is a Brachial Plexus lesion?

The latter is a damage to the ganglion behind the collarbone (clavicle) that controls almost all the muscles in the arm. If this ganglion is damaged, there are often severe deficits of the muscles in the arm, including around the shoulder. If the collarbone breaks, this breakage may sometimes damage the Brachial Plexus.

Broken clavicle

The clavicle is most commonly broken due to fall-impacts on the shoulder, for example in bicycle, moped or motorcycle accidents. In addition to the affected muscles around the shoulder, there are often deficits of elbow, wrist and hand muscles.

Also with hypermobility

Shoulder subluxations also occur with people with hypermobility complaints (eg due to joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).

Post-operatively

The Carrying Orthosis is also used post-operatively to reduce loading of the shoulder joint, for instance after surgery on the humerus head or to prevent oedema formation after breast surgery resulting in a damaged lymph system.

Section of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint. Clearly visible is the low contact surface of the upper arm (humerus (1)) with the shoulder blade (scapula (2)). The shape of the joint surfaces only contributes minimally to the stability of the joint. Capsule and liagments (3), but especially an active contribution of the muscles (especially supraspinatus_muscle) are necessary to ensure the integrity of the joint. (From : Kahle W, et al4, Sesam Atlas van de Anatomie, Fifth edition 1986; ISBN 90 246 6916 2, edited).

Line of action of the m. suprasinatus (blue) seen form the back side. This muscle generates, in contrast to the more vertical working m. biceps, m. triceps and most of the m. deltiod a slightly upward pointed compression of the joint. (From : Kahle W, et al4, Sesam Atlas van de Anatomie, Fifth edition 1986; ISBN 90 246 6916 2, edited).

Ordering codes W2CO for the professional

250304 | W2CO hand support unit

Maintenance of the Carrying Orthosis

The shoulder harness as well as the wrist and elbow straps can be (hand) washed. Please remove the straps from the orthosis. Make sure to close the Velcro in order to prevent cloth from sticking to it. You can use a laundry bag at temperatures of max 30°C. Additional parts of the orthosis can be cleaned using a damp cloth.

Replacement of spare parts

It may occur that parts of the orthosis need to be replaced. Of course you can order these from us. Please contact us and we will send a replacement part.

Manual Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis

Or download the manual here.

Instructions

Instruction video adjusting the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis

Instruction video donning and doffing the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis

Watch this video if you want to see how the orthosis can be put on and off.

Watch more videos on our YouTube channel.

How does the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis work?

Treating the shoulder (sub)luxation by wearing a sling may reduce loading on the ligaments and capsule, it doesn’t neutralise the (sub)luxation itself. On top of that a sling needs to be worn over clothing, highly limits arm mobility and, last but not least, it loads the neck.

The W2CO does have effect

The use of the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis does lead to effective neutralisation of the (sub)luxation. The Carrying Orthosis suspends the arm close to the elbow (see photo), leading to a slight misbalance of the weight of the forearm in reference to the weight of the upper arm.

When the forearm is directed downwards by gravity, the upper arm is, at the same time, pushed upwards, leading to the head of the upper arm finding its support in the shoulder joint again. This smart use of mechanics makes the W2CO a unique product. It is still the only orthosis that is really capable of neutralising (sub)luxation. If you want to know more about the operation of the WCO then download here an article explaining in detail how this orthosis works, but also why a sling doesn’t.

The Carrying Orthosis is equipped with a shoulder cap that leaves the neck and often painful shoulder head unloaded. The design of the Carrying Orthosis allows it to be worn fully underneath clothing. There is only a mild limitation of arm mobility. The predominantly horizontal position of the forearm reduces the chance on oedema formation.

Treatment is necessary

In general a shoulder (sub)luxation is a permanent condition. If a (sub)luxation remains untreated, the shoulder will gradually increase its drop out of position. This is usually a highly painful situation. On top of that the arm can hardly be used functionally. An orthosis is necessary to prevent further increase of the (sub)luxation, to reduce pain and to regain some of the arm functions.

Could the Wilmer Carrying Orthosis benefit you?

If you’re interested in additional information on the carrying orthosis, or if you want to find out if the carrying orthosis could benefit you, please feel free to contact us. You can phone us at +31 53 430 28 36 or email us: info@ambroise.nl

One of our clinical experts, Nils or Joep, will be happy to speak with you to determine which solution is best for your situation. If the Wilmer2 Shoulder Orthosis is the right solution for your condition, we will gladly guide you through the process of creating an optimally fitting, custom-made orthosis tailored to your needs.

Your local orthotist or specialist should also be able to provide additional information on the applicability of the WILMER Carrying Orthosis in your case.

The orthoses of Ambroise are continuous in development

The orthoses of Ambroise are continuous in <strong>development</strong>

Wilmer2 Carrying orthosis

Improved shoulder cap The renewed shoulder cap contains an even greater reinforcement, which means there is even less chance of tearing out the fabric.
Quick slim closure The locking clip has been replaced by a slim Velcro system that makes it easy to close the strap with one hand.
Renewed suspension The W2DO has a new suspension system that makes it easy to hang the arm frame on the shoulder strap with one hand, but also to temporarily unlock the frame and stretch the arm.
Hand support optional When needed, a hand support can be mounted to the orthosis.
Frame easy to fit on length Not every arm has the same length. But fortunately the frame is easy to shorten via a smart system on the elbow side. Easy for your orthotist.

By pushing the Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis suspension knob, you can unlock the system.

After unlocking the arm can be stretched, so that for example, clothes can be donned easier. By raising the arm with the frame again and bringing it to 90 °, the elastic cord pulls the knob back into place.

Smart unlocking

The Wilmer2 Carrying Orthosis has a unique unlocking system that allows the arm to be temporarily stretched. For the function of the orthosis it is important that the forearm is held in horizontal position. But for some activities, such as donning and doffing a jacket, being able to temporary stretch the arm is quiteconvenient.

The Ambroise designers therefore came up with a smart locking system. By pushing the thumb against the suspension knob, you can slide it off the frame. Then you can stretch the arm. If you bring the arm back to 90° by lifting it with the frame, the elastic cord to which the suspension knob is attached on the frame retracts and automatically pulls the knob into the locked position.

Smart and easy!