HNY Central Digital Repository - Hull
Dynamic splinting using lycra suits or orthotics
For the treatment of
Children with Neurological Impairment affecting limb function
Commissioning position
This intervention is not routinely commissioned and therefore should not be offered to patients. Application for funding approval can be made, using the IFR process, by the clinician recommending the intervention, if their assessment is that there are exceptional reasons why their patient could benefit from it.
Elastomeric garments (e.g. Lycra sleeves and gloves) may be used to treat lymphoedema by specialist lymphoedema services and that use is excluded from this policy.
Summary of rationale
Evidence of the effectiveness of wearing Lycra garments to improve stability, movement, and function in some children with cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions is inconclusive. Adverse effects reported in studies with various types of Lycra garments (full body suits, vests, shorts) include vomiting, cyanosis, hyperthermia, muscle weakness, inhibition of voluntary movement, respiratory compromise, constipation, friction sores and erythema. Long term safety is not known.
Associated Pathways
Specialties
Places covered by
- east-riding
- hull
- north-east-lincolnshire
- north-lincolnshire
- north-yorkshire
- vale-of-york