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Safe Handling Techniques When Treating A Child With Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD, CNT

January 19, 2016

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Question

Can you tell us what is the best way to lift a small child or infant with osteogenesis imperfecta?

Answer

First of all, never pull, push or twist a limb. Avoid passive rotation of the arms, legs, head or trunk. Lift an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta with the widest base possible.  Lift by placing one open hand under the buttocks and legs, and the other under the shoulders, neck and head.  Do no lift the child from under the armpits (which puts pressure on fragile ribs and loose shoulders), and do not lift the buttocks by pulling on the ankles during diapering.  


alicia fernandez fernandez

Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD, CNT

Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez graduated from the University of Oviedo (Spain) with a diploma in physical therapy and
practiced in a variety of settings as a physical therapist in Spain before moving to the US and obtaining her M.S. in Physical Therapy, a post-professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. She has practiced at the South Miami Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) 2003-present. In 2011 she joined Nova Southeastern University, where she is currently an Associate Professor and teaches Pediatrics, Kinesiology, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Gender Issues. She continues to practice in the NICU on a per diem basis and she is a Certified Neonatal Therapist. Her research interests encompass pediatrics, biomechanics, use of technology in education, and nanotechnology applications in cancer.


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