GENERAL INTRODUCTION

WE Design is founded by Wouter Engelshoven. As a successful silversmith he designed and manufactured exclusive jewellery for (inter)national clients. Wouter is a multiple talented man in the field of arts and philosophy and is and has been inspired by the concept of the Homo Universalis.
After having worked for more than 20 years as silversmith he met an orthotist who was specialised in chronic hand diseases, and then became aware he had the answer for many problems in this area. He then decided to dedicate his life towards the development of a range of orthopaedic instruments for those who are suffering from chronic hand diseases and deformities. In concerted action with occupational therapists and orthotists he gathered the necessary experience within the field of medical implementations and combined those insights with his experience as a silversmith and his concepts about triads. Thus he successfully developed a whole range of standard, custom fit silver splint rings and braces that proved themselves to be the answer for many cases. Already many patients in the Netherlands are enjoying the beneficial effects of wearing the WE silver splintrings and braces.

Applications

WE silver splintrings are applicable to PIP and DIP joints as well as MCP joints and the wrist. They are specially designed to prevent instability of joints and thus giving correction to maintain a natural and functional position of all the joints involved.
The clinical indications for needing splints include a variety of hand problems ranging from arthritis, Ehler Danlos syndrom, muscular dystrophy, tendon transfers, collateral ligament instability, volar plate injury, peripheral and central nerve injuries and many other traumata.

The choice of materials

In the past silver and other metals have been used for splinting. Some of these models can even be traced back to ancient Egypt. Based on the concept of spirals, circles and loops Wouter Engelshoven improved the concept of using precious metals like silver and gold to achieve excellent results in this field of hand therapy. In this new concept the materials are vital to the success of the WE silver splintrings and braces. Sterling silver is used due to its hypoallergenic qualities, its durability and malleability as well as its aesthetic qualities. All the products look like jewellery and it asks for imagination to find out that these jewellery are only worn because of their therapeutic value.
The choice for using silver or gold as a basic metal for the WE silver splintrings and braces is partially determined by the price. Also physical conditions of the patient as allergic reactions to silver or professional activities in a chemical environment can be a reason to use a gold ring in stead of a silver one. It must be mentioned however that gold is slightly stronger then silver.

The quality of sturdiness of the used materials guarantees a long lasting durability. It will save recurrent costs and time consuming effort from both patients and therapists. Also, the combination of malleability and sturdiness enables small corrections needed because of changing conditions of the joints. So the WE silver splintrings and braces can easily be adjusted according to need.

The WE silver splintings and braces are specially designed and manufactured so that the function of necessary correction of the joints is combined with minimal pressure and used material without loosing comfort. Because of the material used and the uncovered area of skin the WE silver splintrings and braces are highly hygienic and do not give any cause to transpiration. Like common jewellery WE silver splintrings and braces can endure water and are not affected by contamination of dirt or bodily excretions as a result of cleaning activities, doing the dishes or normal daily life functioning. However some excessive perspiration due to medication can cause discoloration of the skin and / or tarnishing of the metal.

Acceptance by the patient

Accepting the limitations of impairments and as a result of that the loss of normal hand function is difficult for a person to cope with and accept, considering that hands are a vital part of our presentation and make up. The hands, just like the face can not be covered in public.
WE silver splintrings and braces offer a unique solution by combining therapeutic effectiveness with the sheen of jewellery so they contribute to a better self-esteem and self-view. This lowers the hurdle of wearing the necessary splints and braces. The unique WE products have rounded shapes, the so-called ‘soft touch’ and offers the most comfortable fit. All splints are custom made to each individual size and can be adjusted if needed. The WE silver splintrings and braces have become for many people a long lasting ‘friend’, which they cherish and value the most.