Stretching and Splinting Devices for the Treatment of Joint Stiffness and Contractures

Name of Blue Advantage Policy: Stretching and Splinting Devices for the Treatment of Joint Stiffness and Contractures

Policy #: 346 Latest Review Date: January 2015 Category: DME Policy Grade: Effective 05/1/2013: Active Policy but no longer scheduled for regular literature reviews and updates.

Background: Blue Advantage medical policy does not conflict with Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs), Local Medical Review Policies (LMRPs) or National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) or with coverage provisions in Medicare manuals, instructions or operational policy letters. In order to be covered by Blue Advantage the service shall be reasonable and necessary under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Section 1862(a)(1)(A). The service is considered reasonable and necessary if it is determined that the service is: 1. Safe and effective; 2. Not experimental or investigational*; 3. Appropriate, including duration and frequency that is considered appropriate for the service, in terms of whether it is: • Furnished in accordance with accepted standards of medical practice for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient’s condition or to improve the function of a malformed body member; • Furnished in a setting appropriate to the patient’s medical needs and condition; • Ordered and furnished by qualified personnel; • One that meets, but does not exceed, the patient’s medical need; and • At least as beneficial as an existing and available medically appropriate alternative.

*Routine costs of qualifying clinical trial services with dates of service on or after September 19, 2000 which meet the requirements of the Clinical Trials NCD are considered reasonable and necessary by Medicare. Providers should bill Original Medicare for covered services that are related to clinical trials that meet Medicare requirements (Refer to Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Chapter 1, Section 310 and Medicare Claims Processing Manual Chapter 32, Sections 69.0-69.11).

Page 1 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 Description of Procedure or Service: Joint stiffness or contractures may be caused by immobilization following an injury, disease, or surgery. A joint contracture is characterized by persistently reduced range of motion as a result of structural changes in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. This decrease in joint mobility occurs when elastic connective tissue is replaced with inelastic fibrous material, resulting in tissue that is resistant to stretching.

Stretching devices are intended to stretch joints that have reduced range of motion secondary to immobilization, surgery, contracture, fracture, dislocation, or a number of additional non- traumatic disorders. These devices are intended to replace or reduce the number of physical therapist-directed sessions by providing frequent and controlled joint mobilization in a hospital or in a patient’s home. The goal is to cause permanent elongation of the connective tissue in order to increase range of motion. Mechanical stretching devices are not motorized and may be prefabricated or custom fabricated.

Dynamic low-load prolonged-duration stretch (LLPS) devices allow resisted active and passive motion (elastic traction) within a restricted range. LLPS devices sustain a set level of tension using integrated springs. Examples of LLPS devices include but are not limited to: Dynasplint System®, EMPI Advance Dynamic ROM®, and LMB Pro-Glide™.

For Bi-directional static progressive (SP) stretch devices and patient-actuated serial stretch (PASS) devices, please refer to Medical Policy 578-Patient-actuated End Range Motion Stretching Devices.

Policy: Effective for dates of service on or after November 19, 2009: Blue Advantage will treat dynamic low-load prolonged-duration stretch (LLPS) devices for use on the ankle, knee, elbow, wrist, finger or jaw as a covered benefit for a period of up to four months in the following clinical setting:

• As a treatment for loss of motion from a contracture as part of a formal rehabilitation program or when a formal rehabilitative program is not feasible or has failed to provide benefit.

Only one device is covered per affected are, i.e., separate devices for flexion and extension for the same area is a non-covered benefit.

Blue Advantage will treat the use of dynamic LLPS devices for any other joint or condition including, but not limited to toe, foot, shoulder and forearm disorders, chronic joint stiffness, chronic or fixed contractures, rheumatoid arthritis or plantar fasciitis as a non-covered benefit and as investigational/experimental.

The devices are also a non-covered benefit when used as a part of post-operative care.

Page 2 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 Blue Advantage does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. Blue Advantage administers benefits based on the members' contract and medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

Key Points: LLPS Devices Cetin, et al (2001), conducted a prospective, uncontrolled study of 37 patients (74 digits) with repaired flexor tendon injuries to determine the functional results following a post-operative regimen of early mobilization using LLPS combined with passive and active early mobilization. LLPS was accompanied by the use of a modified Kleinert splint with a palmar pulley. Outcomes were assessed using the TAM system and the Buck-Gramcko system. Follow-up continued for 12.9 ± 5.4 weeks. Results were reported as excellent in 73%, good in 24%, and fair in 1.5% of fingers.

Chester, et al (2002), reported on a prospective, randomized, controlled trial that compared two methods of rehabilitating extensor tendon repairs in zones IV-VIII. Group A patients (n=19, 29 injured digits) followed an early active mobilization regimen and group B patients (n=17, 29 injured digits) followed a dynamic splintage regimen (LLPS, Dynasplint system). They measured extension lag, flexion deficit, and total active motion (TAM). At four weeks, group B patients had a better TAM (87%) compared to group A (77%). At three months follow-up, there was no significant difference in the results of the two groups.

Berlet, et al (2002), reported on a prospective study of 12 patients with plantar fasciitis who were treated with the Ankle Dorsiflexion Dynasplint. The used a modified plantar fasciitis functional assessment scale and a visual analog pain assessment scale for evaluation. At one month follow up, 75% of patients reported improvement of symptoms. At six months post-splinting, there was no deterioration of results. The authors stated that a randomized study with a comparison between different dorsiflexion splint designs is warranted to determine if patient compliance and clinical results are related to specific design modifications.

Berner, Willis, and Martinez (2008) reported on a study using dynamic splinting to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Dynamic splinting uses low-load prolonged duration stretch to reduce contracture, which contributes to median nerve compression. Fifty patients (mean age 51 ± 12.6 years) were treated for 60 days. There were 25 patients in experimental group and 25 patients in control group. The results showed there was significant improvement in Levine-Katz functional scores, final pain scores, and improved nerve conduction for experimental patients. However, a direct linear correlation between reduced pain scores and frequency of improved nerve conduction was not apparent. The limitations of this study were the short duration, small subject population, and disproportionate number of women to men. A crossover study with a longitudinal examination should be conducted to measure the lasting effects of this modality. Dr. Willis is an employee of Dynasplint systems.

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Larson and Jerosch-Herold (2008) reported on a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the quantity and quality of evidence regarding the effectiveness of splinting in the post-surgical management of Dupuytren’s contractures. They identified only four studies which provided low level evidence on the effects of static and dynamic post-operative splinting. Patients were not allocated to interventions randomly, so results may be biased. The quality of reporting was poor due to the heterogeneity in splint types, duration of wear, outcomes and follow-up period. One study indicated that splinting resulted in fewer contractures in compliant patients, but another study did not support this. One study looked at composite finger flexion and hand function outcomes, but the results indicated that patients who wore a splint had lower total finger flexion and greater disability at three months. There were no results at six months or one year. The clinical effectiveness of long-term static night splinting on finger movement and hand function remains unproven and a properly randomized controlled trial is needed with a sufficient sample size to confer adequate power for detecting clinically important differences. Future trials need to be factor in the effect of different types of splints, duration and patient adherence.

Lai, Jones and Willis (2008) published the results of a controlled cross-over study that lasted six months and examined the efficacy of low-load, prolonged duration stretch with dynamic splinting in reducing ankle contracture for stroke (CVA) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. There were 50 patients (30 CVA, 20 TBI), one year or more post-incident, with a pre- existing plantar flexion contracture. Patients were treated with a standardized PT protocol two times a week for six months. At three months, selected patients crossed over (25 CVA, 15 TBI) and received additional treatment with an ankle dorsiflexion Dynasplint (AFD). The results showed that after wearing the AFD for 180 days, there was a statistically significant change in PROM for crossover patients. The limitations of the study were that the patients were not randomly assigned to the different groups, so there may be bias. Dr. Willis works for Dynasplint Systems, Inc.

Finger and Willis (2008) published a single case report of a 61 year old male who presented with knee flexion contracture following total knee arthroplasty. After 28 PT sessions, the AROM improved from -20° to -12°. After eight additional weeks with nightly wear of a knee extension dynamic splint, the active extension improved from -12° to 0°. Dr. Willis is employed by Dynasplint Systems, Inc.

Kalish and Willis (2009) reported on a retrospective study to examine dynamic splinting for treating hallux limitus (HL). They looked at 61 cases to measure the difference between HL from contusion, bunionectomy, or cheilectomy. The metatarsal Dynasplint (MDS) was used for treatment for a mean duration of 4.2 weeks. There was significant change for all patients, with a mean 73% gain in dorsiflexion at the metatarsal joint. Dr. Kalish and Dr. Willis both work for Dynasplint Systems, Inc.

John, Willis and Portillo (2009) published a single case report of a 47 year old male competitive runner who had hallux limitus and had a cheilectomy with removal of exostoses and osteophytes. The patient had continued pain when running and had a contracture. After four months of treatment with Dynasplint splinting, the patient regained 45° in active range of motion. The

Page 4 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 post-treatment gait analysis showed significant and beneficial changes. Dr. Willis is employed by Dynasplint Systems.

Lundequan and Willis (2009) published a single case report of a five year old girl with right hemi-paresis, below average motor skills, and a gait pattern of right toe contact and left heel strike (without shoes). The patient was treated with PT plus six hours/night of ankle dorsiflexion Dynasplint. After four months, the patient gained 14° in passive dorsiflexion, 9° in active dorsiflexion, and returned to flat foot contact in ambulation without ankle foot orthosis. Dr. Willis is employed with Dynasplint systems.

Plantar Fasciitis There has been some discussion in the literature on the treatment of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, with orthotic devices and night splints. Some of the pertinent information is summarized below.

Porter et al (2002) reported on a prospective, randomized, blinded study to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching for the relief of pain associated with painful heel syndrome. A total of 94 patients (122 feet) were randomized into two stretching groups. One group performed sustained Achilles tendon stretches (three minutes TID) and the other performed intermittent stretches (five sets, 20 seconds each, BID). Patients were evaluated once a month for four months. At each visit, patients completed pain questionnaires and PT measured Achilles tendon flexibility. The results showed that both sustained and intermittent Achilles tendon stretching exercises increase Achilles tendon flexibility and this correlated with a decrease in pain. There was no significant difference between the two groups.

Sheridan L et al (2010) reported on a randomized controlled trial of plantar fasciopathy or plantar fasciitis treated with dynamic splinting. There were 60 patients (76 feet) enrolled in this 12 week study. Patients were randomized into experimental and control groups. All patients received NSAIDs, orthoses, and steroid injections if needed. Thirty experimental patients also received the Ankle Dorsiflexion Dynasplint to wear for six to eight hours each night while sleeping. Pain was measured using the Plantar Fasciopathy Pain/Disability Scale which was administered on enrollment and again after 12 weeks. The results showed that the mean change in pain/symptom scores for experimental patients was -33 points and for control patients was -2 points, a significant difference. The authors concluded that dynamic splinting was effective for reducing the pain of plantar fasciopathy. One of the authors of the study is employed by Dynasplint Systems Inc., the maker of the Ankle Dorsiflexion Dynasplint.

In 2008, the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association issued clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of heel pain – plantar fasciitis. One of the interventions discussed was night splints. They stated that night splints should be considered for patients with symptoms greater than six months in duration. The desired length of time for wearing night splints is one to three months. The type of night splint used (i.e., posterior, anterior, sock-type) does not appear to affect the outcome.

In 2010, Thomas et al published a revision to the clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. This guideline was based on a consensus of current clinical practice and

Page 5 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 review of the clinical literature. The guideline was developed by the CPG Heal Pain Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). They discussed initial or Tier 1 treatment options which included stretching exercises, oral anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroid injections, and others. If there was unsatisfactory improvement, Tier 2 treatment options were added. These included orthotic devices, night splints to maintain an extended length of the plantar fascia and gastroc-soleus complex during sleep, and others. The evidence- based medicine (EBM) conclusions regarding Tier 2 therapies included prefabricated and custom orthotic devices and night splints. All of these were Grade B recommendations.

There is insufficient evidence in the published medical literature to support the use of orthotic devices or night splints for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Key Words: Joint stiffness, contracture, dynamic low-load prolonged-duration stretch (LLPS) devices, plantar fasciitis

Approved by Governing Bodies: Mechanical stretching devices are classified by the FDA as Class 1 medical devices. Class 1 devices have the least amount of regulatory control; manufacturers of these devices are exempt from premarket notification procedures and are not required to provide safety and effectiveness data prior to marketing. Numerous mechanical stretch devices have been developed and are generally categorized as static progressive (SP) stretch devices, low-load, prolonged-duration stretch (LLPS) devices, and patient-actuated serial stretch (PASS) devices.

Benefit Application: Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits. Group specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

Coding: HCPCS: E1700 Jaw motion rehabilitation system E1701 Replacement cushions for jaw motion rehabilitation system, pkg. of six E1702 Replacement measuring scales for jaw motion rehabilitation system, pkg. of 200 E1800 Dynamic adjustable elbow extension/flexion device, includes soft interface material E1801 Static progressive stretch elbow device, extension and/or flexion, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories E1802 Dynamic adjustable forearm pronation/supination device, includes soft interface material

Page 6 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 E1805 Dynamic adjustable wrist extension / flexion device, includes soft interface material E1806 Static progressive stretch wrist device, flexion and/or extension, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories E1810 Dynamic adjustable knee extension / flexion device, includes soft interface material E1811 Static progressive stretch knee device, extension and/or flexion, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories E1812 Dynamic knee, extension/flexion device with active resistance control E1815 Dynamic adjustable ankle extension/flexion device, includes soft interface material E1816 Static progressive stretch ankle device, flexion and/or extension, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories E1818 Static progressive stretch forearm pronation / supination device, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories E1820 Replacement soft interface material, dynamic adjustable extension/flexion device E1821 Replacement soft interface material/cuffs for bi-directional static progressive stretch device E1825 Dynamic adjustable finger extension/flexion device, includes soft interface material E1830 Dynamic adjustable toe extension/flexion device, includes soft interface material E1831 Static progressive stretch toe device, extension and/or flexion, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories (Effective 01/01/11) E1840 Dynamic adjustable shoulder flexion / abduction / rotation device, includes soft interface material E1841 Static progressive stretch shoulder device, with or without range of motion adjustment, includes all components and accessories

References: 1. Berlet GC, et al. A prospective trial of night splinting in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: the ankle dorsiflexion Dynasplint. Orthopedics, November 2002; 25(11): 1273-1275. 2. Berner SH, Willis FB and Martinez J. Treating carpal tunnel syndrome with dynamic splinting: A randomized, controlled trial. The Journal of Medicine, December 2008, Vol. 1, Issue 1. 3. Bolitho DG. Hand, tendon lacerations: Flexors. June 2006, www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/1286303-print.

Page 7 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 4. Branch TP, et al. Mechanical therapy for loss of knee flexion. American Journal of Orthopedics, April 2003; 32(4): 195-200. 5. Bruner S, et al. Dynamic splinting after extensor tendon repair in zones V to VII. Br Journal of Hand Surgery, June 2003; 28(3): 224-227. 6. Canale & Beaty: Campbell’s Operative Orthopedics, 11th edition, Mosby 2007. 7. Cetin A, et al. Rehabilitation of flexor tendon injuries by use of a combined regimen of modified Kleinert and modified Duran techniques. American Journal Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, October 2001; 80(10): 721-728. 8. Chester DL, et al. A prospective, controlled, randomized trial comparing early active extension with passive extension using a dynamic splint in the rehabilitation of repaired extensor tendons. Br Journal of Hand Surgery, June 2002; 27(3): 283-288. 9. Crawford F, et al. Interventions for treating plantar heel pain. Cochrane Database System Review 2003; (3): CD000416. 10. Crosby CA, et al. Early protected motion after extensor tendon repair. American Journal Hand Surgery, September 1999; 24(5): 1061-1070. 11. Egan M, et al. Splints/orthoses in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database System Review 2003(1): CD004018. 12. Farmer SE, et al. Dynamic orthoses in the management of joint contracture. British Journal Bone Joint Surgery, March 2005; 87(3): 291-295. 13. Finger E and Willis FB. Dynamic Splinting for Knee Flexion Contracture Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report. Cases Journal 2008; I: 421. 14. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1st edition, Hanley and Belfus, Inc. 2002. 15. Germann G, et al. Early dynamic motion versus post-operative immobilization in patients with extensor indicis proprius transfer to restore thumb extension: A prospective randomized study. Journal Hand Surgery, November 2001; 26(6): 1111-1115. 16. Gerritsen AA, Korthals-de Bos IB, Laboyrie PM, et al. Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2002; 288: 1245. 17. Harvey L, et al. Does stretching induce lasting increases in joint ROM? A systematic review. Physiotherapy Res Int 2002; 7(1): 1-13. 18. Henrichs J, et al. Shoulder impingement syndrome. Primary Care, December 2004; 31(4): 789-805. 19. Hewitt B, et al. Flexion vs. extension: A comparison of post-operative total knee arthroplasty mobilization regimens. Knee, December 2001; 8(4): 305-309. 20. John MM, Willis FB and Portillo A. Dynamic Splinting for Runner’s Toe. A Case Report with Gait Analysis. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, July/August 2009, Vol. 99, No. 4, pp. 367-370. 21. Kalish SR and Willis FB. Hallux Limitus and Dynamic Splinting: A Retrospective Series. The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 2009, Vol. 2, No. 4. 22. Khandwala AR, et al. A comparison of dynamic extension splinting and controlled active mobilization of complete divisions of extensor tendons in zones 5 and 6. Br Journal of Hand Surgery, April 2000; 25(2): 140-146. 23. Khandwala AR, et al. Immediate repair and early mobilization of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in zones 1 to 4. Journal Hand Surgery, June 2004; 29(3): 250-258. 24. Lai JM, Jones M and Willis FB. Efficacy of Dynamic Splinting on Plantar-Flexion Tone and Contracture Seen in CVA and TBI Patients: A Controlled Cross-Over Study.

Page 8 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 Proceedings of the 16th European Congress of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2008; 106-109. 25. Larson D and Jerosch-Herold C. Clinical Effectiveness of Post-Operative Splinting After Surgical Release of Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Systematic Review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2008; 9: 104. 26. Lindenhovius AL, Doornberg JN, Brouwer KM, et al. A prospective randomized controlled trial of dynamic versus static progressive elbow splinting for posttraumatic elbow stiffness. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(8):694-700. 27. Lundequan P and Willis FB. Dynamic splinting home therapy for toe walking: A case report. Cases Journal 2009; 2: 188. 28. Martin JE, et al. Mechanical treatment of plantar fasciitis. A prospective study. Journal American Podiatry Medical Association, February 2001; 91(2): 55-62. 29. McPoil TG, et al. Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis: clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health from the Orthopedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2008; 38(4):A1-A18. 30. Mowlavi A, et al. Dynamic versus static splinting of simple zone V and zone VI extensor tendon repairs: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, February 2005; 115(2): 482-487. 31. Porter D, et al. The effects of duration and frequency of Achilles tendon stretching on dorsiflexion and outcome in painful heel syndrome: a randomized, blinded, control study. Foot Ankle Int. July 2002; 23(7):619-624. 32. Ring D, et al. Hinged elbow external fixation for severe elbow contracture. Am Journal Bone Joint Surgery, June 2005; 87(6): 1293-1296. 33. Roos E, et al. Foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle International, August 2006; 27(8): 606-611. 34. Sheridan L, Lopez A, et al. Plantar Fasciopathy treated with dynamic splinting. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 2010; 100(3):161-165. 35. Steffan TM, et al. Low-load, prolonged stretch in the treatment of knee flexion contractures in nursing home residents. Physical Therapy, October 1995; 75(10): 886-895. 36. Thomas JL, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: a clinical practice guideline – revision 2010. The Journal of Food and Ankle Surgery 2010; 49:S1-S19. 37. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Centers for Devices and Radiologic Health. www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/search/search.cfm?db=CFR&id-890.3475. 38. Verdugo RJ, Salinas RA, Castillo JL and Cea JG. Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; CD001552. 39. Yasukawa A, et al. Efficacy for maintenance of elbow range of motion of two types of orthotic devices: A case series. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics 2003, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 72-77.

Policy History: Adopted for Blue Advantage, September 2009 Available for comment October 3-November 18, 2009 Medical Policy Group, December 2010 – 2011 Code update Medical Policy Group, April 2011;

Page 9 of 10 Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Advantage Medical Policy #346 Medical Policy Group, February 2012 Medical Policy Administration Committee, February 2012 Medical Policy Group, May 2013: Effective 05/1/2013: Active Policy but no longer scheduled for regular literature reviews and updates. Medical Policy Group, September 2013 Medical Policy Group, August 2014 Medical Policy Group, January 2015

This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case- by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.

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