A patient has suffered a radial nerve injury. Which component is most likely to be added to the orthotic recommendation?

In the case of a radial nerve injury, one of the most significant functional deficits is the inability to actively extend the wrist and fingers. This condition can lead to wrist drop, where the patient cannot maintain wrist extension during functional movements. Adding an orthotic device that provides thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) abduction assist is particularly beneficial for patients with radial nerve injuries.

The 1st MP abduction assist is crucial because it helps stabilize the thumb in an abducted position, allowing for better pinch and grip function. This feature can greatly enhance the patient's ability to perform daily tasks, as the thumb plays a vital role in grasping and holding objects. By providing support for thumb positioning, the orthotic intervention addresses the functional limitations resulting from the radial nerve injury and promotes better hand function.

In contrast, while wrist extension support could provide some benefit, it does not specifically address the compromise of thumb functionality and its essential role in grasping. Extension assists might seem relevant as well, but they typically focus on aiding the extension of the fingers rather than supporting the thumb's positioning. A thumb splint would also provide stabilization but may not specifically enhance the abduction necessary for optimal hand function in grasping scenarios. Therefore, the inclusion of a