Here at Hallmark Surgical, we stock several types of Hand Immobilisers, each designed to meet different surgical needs. We’re often asked which model we recommend — but the right answer really depends on your workflow, sterilisation setup, and whether you need imaging compatibility.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and key differences between each option in our range so you can make the most informed choice for your theatre.
FlexiHand Silicone Immobiliser (Lead Encapsulated)
The orange FlexiHand Silicone Immobiliser is our most popular option — and for good reason.
It delivers the weight and malleability of a traditional Lead Hand while completely eliminating exposure to lead. The lead core is fully encapsulated and sealed within a heavy-duty, surgical-grade silicone coating, meaning there’s no direct lead contact or risk of contamination.
That silicone coating also brings additional benefits:
Another excellent feature of the FlexiHand is the built-in RFID tag, located behind the CE symbol. This allows you to track the number of uses each unit has had using its serial number, helping with inventory management and ensuring maximum lifecycle efficiency. You can view more on the RFID tag here.
Weighing 1,435 grams, this is the heaviest hand immobiliser in our range. That added weight gives it excellent stability on the operating table, making it a firm favourite among surgeons who prefer a more substantial feel.
Ideal for:
Reusable setups, high-volume theatres, and teams seeking a premium, lead-free solution with a traditional feel.
FlexiHand-X Silicone Hand Immobiliser
The FlexiHand-X shares many features with the original FlexiHand, including its soft, silicone outer coating and gentle patient contact. The key difference lies beneath the surface — the FlexiHand-X has an aluminium core instead of lead.
This makes it significantly lighter (exact weight: 632g) while maintaining enough rigidity and shape retention for reliable positioning.
The aluminium core brings an important advantage: it’s radiolucent, meaning it won’t interfere with X-rays or fluoroscopy. This makes the FlexiHand-X particularly well-suited for hand and wrist procedures where intraoperative imaging is required.
Other features include anti-rollover wings, which enhance stability and prevent unwanted rotation of the hand or arm during surgery. Like the FlexiHand, it’s a reusable device, autoclavable at 134°C, and latex-free.
Ideal for:
Operating rooms that use X-ray or fluoroscopy, and clinicians wanting a fully lead-free, radiolucent alternative.
For situations where sterilisation turnaround is limited or infection control is the top priority, our Single-Use Hand Immobilisers are a practical and efficient option.
These models feature a malleable aluminium core — making them lead-free and radiolucent — and are covered in a hi-grip, atraumatic foam layer that’s gentle on the patient’s hand while still providing excellent stability.
They’re sterile-packed, ready to use straight out of the box, and available in Large and Extra-Large sizes.
Because they’re lighter than reusable options, (large is 100g, extra-large 158g) some users prefer to add a small amount of extra weight or support for enhanced stability during longer cases. However, the convenience and infection control benefits often outweigh this trade-off.
Ideal for:
Clinics or surgical centres with limited sterilising capacity, or single-procedure applications where a quick, disposable option is preferred.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Theatre
Each of our hand immobilisers offers unique benefits depending on your requirements:
| Model | Core Material | Lead-Free | Radiolucent | Reusable | Weight | Ideal Use |
| FlexiHand Silicone | Lead (fully encapsulated) | ✔ Encapsulated | ✖ | ✔ | 1,435 g | Reusable, traditional feel |
| FlexiHand-X | Aluminium | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 632 g | Imaging and X-ray procedures |
| Single-Use | Aluminium | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | 100 - 158g | Disposable, infection control |
Final Thoughts
When selecting a hand immobiliser, consider your surgical workflow, imaging needs, and sterilisation capacity.
Whatever your requirements, Hallmark Surgical has a reliable, safe, and high-quality option to suit your theatre.
https://www.hallmarksurgical.com/products/surgical-instrument