Carp-X™
Carp-X is a dynamic orthosis that ushers in a new era in the treatment of the common complaint of lateral epicondylitis.Using the agonist-antagonist principle, in which the flexors are engaged in order to relax the extensors, Carp-X provides the comparative rest that is necessary for rapid and effective recovery, without restricting patient activity.
Indications
Lateral Epiconylitis (aka Tennis Elbow)
The agonist-antagonist principle and dynamics
Holding the wrist in a functional position requires contraction of the painful extensors.
These muscles tense even more when something is grasped or lifted with the hand. By having the hand move against resistance in the direction of flexion, the load on the extensors is reduced. This is called the agonist-antagonist principle.1 Moreover, in this way, the extensors are stretched under a minimum load. This stimulates the newly made structures to align themselves with the direction of the load, so that they become stronger more quickly.
Rapid and effective recovery is within reach
Carp-X helps ensure rapid and effective recovery from lateral epicondylitis. Using memory metal, which provides sufficient resistance and dynamics, Carp-X provides continuous resistance to the palm of the hand and brings the hand back to a 30° extension with every movement. This provides the following positive benefits:
- Carp-X reduces the working distance of the extensors and returns them to the rest position every time the hand is moved
- The flexors are activated whenever something is grasped or lifted with the hand, providing relaxation to the painful extensors
- Regular stretching of the extensors allows structures to recuperate more quickly
- The patient can continue to function
The results of rapid and effective treatment
The St. Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen² conducted a study with two research groups, each of which wore the orthosis during one half of the study and not in the other half. The study measured the effect of the Carp-X in terms of pain, functionality, pain-free grip strength and maximum grip strength.
The results demonstrate a considerable improvement with regard to pain, functionality and pain-free grip strength, which continued when the patients no longer wore the orthosis. There was also a difference, on all the criteria above, as compared to the group who had no orthosis at the time. Finally, this study showed that the orthosis is an effective therapeutic device for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, regardless of the duration of the complaints.
The Right Material for the Proper Treatment 
The Carp-X consists of two shells made from PET-G, a plastic that is easy to shape at the relatively low temperature of 100°-120° C. This means that the Carp-X can be fitted to your patient easily. The material is strong, hard-wearing, simple to work, and, moreover, thanks to its smooth surface, easy to clean.
The two metal springs that connect the shells are made of "memory metal," a nickel-titanium alloy with a polyethylene covering. This makes it possible to bend the springs along the entire range of wrist flexion. The metal can undergo severe distortion with only a slight increase in stress. This enables strong and constant support during the entire bending process, without lasting deformation or fracture.
The ergonomic design of the Carp-X ensures comfort. With the Carp-X, your patient can carry out practically all day-to-day activities without being inconvenienced by the orthosis.
Carp-X: the solution that always fits
Carp-X is available in three sizes, in both left-hand and right-hand versions. The sizes are based on the breadth of the hand and the circumference of the forearm.
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Publications
1) van Elk N, Faes M, Degens H, Kooloos JG, de Lint JA, Hopman MT.
The application of an external wrist extension force reduces electromyographic activity of wrist extensor muscles during gripping.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004; 34(5):228-34.
2) Faes M, van den Akker B, de Lint JA, Kooloos JG, Hopman MT.
Dynamic extensor brace for lateral epicondylitis.
Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006; 442:149-57.