Paediatric Upper Limb Splinting and Casting for Cerebral Palsy

Course overview:

This course aims to support clinicians with clinical reasoning and practical skills when considering, fabricating and evaluating upper limb orthoses (rigid thermoplastic splints and soft casts) for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Pre-course learning materials, notes and instructional videos are provided with references to all delegates.

Learning outcomes:

  • Apply understanding of upper limb anatomy and functional neurology to support decision making for splinting and casting interventions
  • Understand and apply assessment tools for range of motion and muscle tone (goniometry, Tardieu and Modified Ashworth scales) to support outcome measurement
  • Evaluate the current evidence base for static (rigid), functional splinting, and casting
  • Understand splint and cast design principles and positioning requirements
  • Understand the importance of interventions complementary to splinting and casting such as Botulinum toxin-A / systemic tone management and strengthening
  • Recognise the importance of wider MDT involvement in holistic treatment
  • Develop practical skills in rigid thermoplastic and soft cast fabrication
  • Understand precautions and contraindications, and factors that influence compliance with orthoses
  • Develop skills in documentation and evaluation of treatment outcomes

Course structure:

The course is run over 3 consecutive days face-to-face. Learners then join a ½ day follow up Zoom meeting 3 months later to consolidate knowledge.

Pre-course learning: 

Learners are requested to review all pre-course materials prior to course commencement. Prior knowledge of upper limb anatomy and assessment (Range of movement and muscle tone) at a beginner level is desirable. 

Course certification:

Following the 3-day face-to-face component of the course, learners will apply knowledge through completion of a case study. The case study must be completed in learners’ own time following the course and prior to the Zoom meeting. This is required to be submitted via the GOSH online learning platform (GOLD) for review. Learners will then present their case study in small groups during the follow up Zoom meeting.

Attendance at the face-to-face course and follow up Zoom meeting is required for course completion and certification.

Programme (subject to change): 3 days face-to-face, and ½ day follow up Zoom meeting

Day 1: Thursday 12 November 2026 (08:30 – 17:00)

  • Functional upper limb anatomy
  • Assessment of range of motion and muscle tone
  • Functional neuroanatomy
  • Medical/surgical management & focal tone management – Botulinum toxin-A
  • Practical session: Casting

Day 2: Friday 13 November 2026 (08:30 - 17:00) 

  • Evidence base part 1: Muscle structure and contracture formation
  • Splinting and casting documentation
  • Practical session: Thermoplastic splinting and casting

Day 3: Saturday 14 November 2026 (08:30 - 17:00)

  • Reflections on practical session
  • Evidence base part 2a: Splinting and casting interventions
  • Static splinting and casting protocols
  • Static splinting and casting instructions and precautions
  • Evidence base part 2b: Functional splinting
  • Splinting and casting: Factors that influence compliance
  • Case studies
  • Off the shelf functional and static splints practical discussion
  • Planning for follow up webinar and certification requirements

Day 4: Friday 26 February 2027 (09:00 - 12:30) 

  • Virtual event – details of Zoom meeting to follow

Event pricing:

Early Bird rate (until 12 October 2026, end of day): £850
Includes refreshments. Please note that lunch is not included.

Standard rate: £950

Please email [email protected] if you need to pay via invoice through your Trust/organisation. If paying by invoice, a PO from your Trust/Organisation is required 14 working days before the start of the event to confirm your place.  

Registration:

Please note that tickets will remain on sale until Friday 30 October 2026, 8:30am or when the course reaches maximum capacity of 16 participants.

Please note this event is not being recorded. 

 

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Terms of registration: 

All registrations and associated travel or accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the course participants. We reserve the right to postpone or change the conditions of this course for any due cause. Cancellation by us will result in a full refund, however we are not responsible for the refund of any additional travel or accommodation expenses incurred. 

Cancellation: 

If you need to cancel your place, please request this in writing to [email protected]. If you paid by debit/credit card, your refund amount will exclude the ticket platform’s administrative fee of £23 and may take up to four weeks to issue. Cancellation requests received after Wednesday 28 October (midnight) will not be eligible for any refund.

Booking form privacy notice:

The personal data you provide to us on the event booking form is being collected so that we can contact you with important updates about the event, ensure your dietary and accessibility requirements are accommodated, process your payment, and to pass on an evaluation survey after the event. It will only be used by the GLA for this purpose and the data will be securely deleted in line with GOSH’s data retention policies. This privacy information does not apply to the processing of your personal data by the booking platform Participant UK Ltd., which will be governed by their privacy policy. If you have any questions about how we process your personal data, please contact [email protected]