Wrist Braces & Supports: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Wrist Brace for Your Condition - Medical Department Store

Wrist Braces & Supports: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Wrist Brace for Your Condition

Wrist Braces · Carpal Tunnel · Splints · Thumb Support · Complete Buying Guide

Wrist Braces & Supports: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Wrist Brace for Your Condition

MDS
Medical Department Store Orthopedic Team
Wrist braces are among the most purchased and most frequently purchased incorrectly orthopedic products. The wrist and hand have a surprising number of distinct conditions — each requiring a different brace mechanism, a different positioning approach, and in some cases a completely different product category. We fit wrist supports every day across five Southwest Florida showrooms. This guide explains every major wrist condition, the brace mechanism that addresses it, and the specific products we recommend.
A wrist brace for carpal tunnel syndrome must hold the wrist in a specific neutral position — neither flexed nor extended. A brace for De Quervain's tenosynovitis must immobilize the thumb as well as the wrist. A post-surgical orthosis must allow no motion at all during the healing phase. These are not variations of the same product. They are different tools for different problems — and the wrong one will not help.

Wrist pain is among the most common musculoskeletal complaints in adults — and one of the most commonly self-treated with the wrong product. Someone buys a generic compression sleeve for carpal tunnel and wonders why their nighttime tingling does not improve. The answer, in most cases, is that the sleeve provides compression but not the neutral wrist positioning that carpal tunnel syndrome actually requires. The right brace for the right condition, correctly sized and correctly worn, makes a significant difference in outcomes.

At Medical Department Store, we carry clinical-grade wrist and hand supports from medi USA, Actimove, and Rolyan — brands used in hospital systems, occupational therapy clinics, and orthopedic practices nationwide. This guide walks through every major wrist condition, explains the clinical mechanism behind effective bracing for each, and helps you match the right product to your situation.

Not sure which wrist brace is right for your condition?

Call our product specialists before you order. Wrist conditions vary significantly — a 10-minute conversation ensures you get the brace that actually addresses your specific diagnosis.

📞 866-218-0902 Or visit any of our 5 SW Florida showrooms →

Start Here — What Is Causing Your Wrist Pain?

What is the best wrist brace for wrist pain?
The best wrist brace depends entirely on the cause of the pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome requires a neutral-position splint that prevents the wrist from flexing during sleep — the position that compresses the median nerve. De Quervain's tenosynovitis requires a thumb spica design that immobilizes both the wrist and the thumb. Wrist sprains require compression and mild stabilization during healing. Tendonitis from repetitive strain requires support that reduces wrist motion during the provocative activity. Post-surgical recovery may require a rigid orthosis that allows no motion at all. Each condition has a different clinical mechanism and a different brace solution.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Compression of the median nerve at the wrist causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Worst at night and upon waking. Requires a neutral-position wrist splint — not a compression sleeve. The neutral position reduces pressure on the median nerve at the carpal tunnel.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist — the APL and EPB tendons. Pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with gripping, pinching, or turning the wrist. Requires a thumb spica splint that immobilizes both the wrist and the thumb CMC and MCP joints. A wrist-only brace does not adequately rest the affected tendons.
Wrist Tendonitis & Repetitive Strain Inflammation from repetitive wrist movements — typing, assembly work, sports, or any sustained grip activity. Compression and mild immobilization during the provocative activity reduces further tendon loading. A support with a volar splint stay and compression fabric addresses both needs.
Wrist Sprains & Strains Ligament injury from a fall, twist, or impact. Mild to moderate sprains benefit from compression and wrist stabilization during healing. More significant sprains or post-cast recovery may need a more structured splint with rigid stays for controlled motion.
Post-Surgical & Neurological After wrist or hand surgery, or for neurological conditions producing wrist drop, contracture, or flaccid hand — a clinical-grade wrist/hand/finger orthosis (WHFO) provides the positioning needed for healing, function, and contracture prevention. These are fitted products requiring professional guidance.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Why Position Is Everything

What wrist brace position is correct for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The correct position for a carpal tunnel wrist splint is neutral — the wrist held straight, neither bent upward (extension) nor bent downward (flexion). This is the position that minimizes pressure within the carpal tunnel on the median nerve. Most people naturally flex their wrists during sleep, which is why carpal tunnel symptoms are worst at night and upon waking. A splint that holds the wrist in neutral position during sleep prevents this flexion and allows the nerve to decompress during the hours the hand is not in use. Wearing a compression sleeve without a positioning stay does not accomplish this — the sleeve must incorporate a rigid or semi-rigid palmer stay to hold the wrist in neutral.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 3–6% of adults and is one of the most common nerve compression conditions. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel — a narrow passage at the wrist — alongside nine flexor tendons. When the wrist is flexed, the tunnel narrows further and pressure on the nerve increases. Sustained wrist flexion during sleep is the most common reason symptoms are worst in the morning.

Conservative treatment — including proper splinting — is effective for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome and may prevent progression to the point where surgery is required. The clinical evidence for nighttime neutral-position splinting in carpal tunnel is strong; the key is consistent wear and correct wrist positioning in the splint.

Carpal Tunnel · Neutral Position · Daily & Night Wear
medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support
medi USA · Tempaprene construction · Anatomical palmer stay · Adjustable compression strap · Left & right · 6 sizes
Anatomical palmer stay Neutral wrist positioning Tempaprene therapeutic warmth Adjustable compression strap Full finger use maintained Low-profile under clothing Left & right configurations 6 sizes

The medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support is purpose-built for carpal tunnel syndrome — not a generic wrist wrap adapted for the condition. Its anatomical palmer stay places the wrist in the optimal neutral position for median nerve decompression, and the Tempaprene construction adds therapeutic warmth that stimulates circulation and supports tissue recovery. The stay can be shaped as needed for long-term wearing comfort, and the adjustable compression strap allows precise tension control for individualized fit.

The wrap-around application design specifically addresses one of the most common compliance failures with wrist splints — difficulty putting the brace on and taking it off, particularly with one hand. The design is easy to apply independently, which matters significantly for patients who need to don and doff the brace multiple times daily. Full finger use is maintained, allowing the brace to be worn during daily activities as well as during sleep.

The low-profile design fits discretely under work clothes, making daytime wear practical for patients who need support during repetitive work tasks as well as during sleep. Available in left and right hand configurations in six sizes — sized from wrist circumference measurement.

Right for: Carpal tunnel syndrome — both nighttime wear to prevent median nerve compression during sleep and daytime wear during provocative activities. Also indicated for minor wrist sprains and strains, wrist tendonitis, wrist arthritis, and chronically weak wrists. May help prevent progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce the need for surgical intervention when used consistently.

Not right for: Conditions requiring thumb immobilization — see the Universal Wrist Thumb Brace for De Quervain's and thumb-related conditions.

View medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support →
The most important thing about carpal tunnel bracing: wear it during sleep. The majority of carpal tunnel patients benefit most from consistent nighttime wear — preventing the sustained wrist flexion that occurs during sleep and allows symptoms to build overnight. Daytime wear during provocative activities adds additional benefit. The patients who see the least improvement from a carpal tunnel brace are those who wear it only during the day and skip nighttime use. If your symptoms are worst in the morning — wear it while you sleep.

Thumb Conditions — De Quervain's, Instability & Combined Wrist-Thumb Support

What is the best wrist brace for De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis requires a thumb spica splint — a brace that immobilizes both the wrist and the thumb CMC and MCP joints simultaneously. The APL and EPB tendons that are inflamed in De Quervain's run from the forearm through the wrist to the thumb. Immobilizing only the wrist while allowing full thumb motion does not adequately rest these tendons. The thumb component of the splint must extend to the IP joint or across the thenar eminence to prevent the thumb movements that aggravate the condition — gripping, pinching, and the Finkelstein maneuver. A standard wrist brace without thumb support is not the right tool for De Quervain's.
Thumb & Wrist · De Quervain's · Combined Support
medi protect Universal Wrist Thumb Brace
medi USA · Wrist and thumb stabilization · 87% nylon / 10% aluminum / 3% elastane · Moderate support
Wrist and thumb stabilization Aluminum stay component Moderate support level Breathable nylon/elastane construction Post-casting rehabilitation

The medi protect Universal Wrist Thumb Brace provides simultaneous stabilization of both the wrist and thumb — addressing the conditions that require both joints to be supported at the same time. The aluminum stay component provides structural wrist positioning while the thumb extension restricts the thumb CMC and MCP motion that aggravates De Quervain's and other thumb-related tendon conditions.

The breathable nylon/elastane/aluminum construction is lighter and more breathable than neoprene-based thumb spica designs — a meaningful advantage for patients in warmer climates or those requiring extended daily wear. The moderate support level makes it appropriate for the range of wrist-thumb conditions including De Quervain's tenosynovitis, thumb instability, wrist sprains with thumb involvement, arthritis at the wrist and base of thumb, and post-casting rehabilitation.

Right for: De Quervain's tenosynovitis, thumb CMC arthritis (basal joint arthritis), thumb instability, combined wrist and thumb sprains, post-casting rehabilitation requiring both wrist and thumb support. Any condition where a standard wrist brace without thumb support has been insufficient.

View medi Universal Wrist Thumb Brace →
Thumb Abduction · Splint with Stay · Formed Composite
Actimove Wrist Splint with Abducted Thumb — Compression Formed Composite
Actimove · Formed composite stay · Abducted thumb positioning · Left & right · Neoprene-free
Formed composite stay Abducted thumb positioning Neoprene-free breathable material Low profile under clothing Left & right hand Anatomically shaped

The Actimove Wrist Splint with Abducted Thumb uses a formed composite stay that provides more structured wrist and thumb positioning than a fabric-only design — appropriate for conditions requiring firmer immobilization of the wrist-thumb complex. The abducted thumb component positions the thumb away from the palm in a functional resting position that reduces tension on the thumb tendons and surrounding structures.

The neoprene-free breathable material is a significant advantage for patients in Southwest Florida's warm climate — providing compression and support without the heat retention of neoprene designs. The anatomically shaped composite stay is pre-formed for most hand geometries and conforms to the wrist and thumb for a comfortable fit without pressure points. The low-profile design fits under clothing, allowing discreet daytime wear.

Right for: De Quervain's tenosynovitis requiring firmer immobilization, thumb CMC arthritis, post-surgical thumb and wrist recovery where a more structured support is needed, patients who find neoprene-based thumb spica designs too warm for consistent wear.

View Actimove Wrist Splint with Abducted Thumb →

Wrist Tendonitis, Arthritis & General Stability Support

What wrist brace is best for tendonitis and wrist arthritis?
Wrist tendonitis and arthritis both benefit from a brace that provides compression, therapeutic warmth, and mild to moderate wrist stabilization — reducing the motion that aggravates inflamed tendons or arthritic joint surfaces while maintaining enough functional hand use to perform daily activities. A volar splint stay that limits extreme wrist flexion and extension, combined with graduated compression fabric, is the clinical approach for most tendonitis and arthritis cases. The medi Manumed Active addresses both needs with a pre-shaped anatomical volar splint and Clima Comfort breathable compression fabric.
Tendonitis · Arthritis · Sprains · Volar Splint
medi Manumed Active Wrist Support
medi USA · Anatomical volar splint · Clima Comfort fabric · Heat-moldable · Left & right · XS–L
Anatomical pre-shaped volar splint Heat-moldable for custom fit Clima Comfort breathable fabric Moisture-wicking Inelastic compression strap Comfort zone knitting Left & right XS–L sizing

The medi Manumed Active is the most clinically complete wrist support in the medi range — combining three therapeutic elements that lesser products address separately: an anatomically pre-shaped volar splint that stabilizes and reduces stress on the wrist, an inelastic compression strap that improves immobilization when needed, and Clima Comfort breathable moisture-wicking fabric with special comfort zones knitted to prevent constriction and pressure areas.

The volar splint is the centerpiece — anatomically pre-shaped for most wrist geometries and heat-moldable if a more precise fit is required for individual anatomy. The splint reduces the extreme flexion and extension movements that most aggravate wrist tendonitis and arthritis, while maintaining the functional mid-range motion needed for daily tasks. The Clima Comfort fabric brings medi's German medical manufacturing quality to fabric performance — breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable for extended daily wear without the heat retention that discourages consistent use.

Indicated for wrist tendon inflammations including tendonitis and De Quervain's in the earlier phases, painful wrist arthrosis and arthritis, instability feelings in the wrist, wrist sprains and strains, and post-operative recovery during the functional phase. The combination of compression and structural support makes it appropriate across a wide range of wrist conditions.

Right for: Wrist tendonitis from repetitive activity, rheumatic and arthritic wrist conditions, mild to moderate instability, wrist sprains in the subacute healing phase, patients who need functional hand use maintained while the wrist is supported, and anyone who has found a compression-only sleeve insufficient for their level of wrist pain.

View medi Manumed Active Wrist Support →

Post-Surgical & Neurological — Clinical Wrist Hand Finger Orthoses

What is a WHFO and when is it needed?
A WHFO — Wrist Hand Finger Orthosis — is a clinical-grade orthosis that positions and supports the wrist, hand, and fingers simultaneously. WHFOs are used when the condition requires positioning of the entire hand complex — not just the wrist in isolation. Indications include stroke-related hand weakness or contracture, wrist drop from radial nerve injury, post-surgical hand positioning, and progressive static management of contracted fingers and thumb. WHFOs are fitted products — they are moldable to individual hand anatomy and require professional fitting for optimal positioning. They represent a different clinical category from standard wrist braces and supports.
Clinical Orthosis · Neurological · Contracture · Post-Surgical
Rolyan Hanz WHFO — Wrist Hand Finger Orthosis
Rolyan · Pivoting thumb abductor · Moldable forearm trough · Color-coded straps · Progressive static positioning · Left & right · XS–L
Pivoting thumb abductor Medial & lateral thumb supports Moldable forearm trough Moldable wrist and hand pan Color-coded hook & loop straps Progressive static positioning Finger separators included Launderable one-piece liner Left & right XS–L sizing

The Rolyan Hanz WHFO is a clinical-grade wrist, hand, and finger orthosis designed for the most complex hand positioning needs — conditions where standard wrist braces provide inadequate support or where the entire hand complex requires positioning for healing or neurological management. Its pivoting thumb abductor with medial and lateral thumb supports addresses the full range of thumb positioning needs, including the most difficult adduction contractures that standard thumb spica designs cannot adequately manage.

The forearm trough, wrist, and hand pan are all moldable — providing a genuinely custom fit to individual hand and forearm anatomy without requiring a heat gun or specialized tools. This progressive static positioning capability allows the orthosis to be adjusted incrementally as the patient's range of motion changes over the course of treatment — a critical feature for contracture management and post-stroke rehabilitation where positioning goals evolve over time.

The color-coded hook and loop strapping system is specifically designed to support correct application by the patient or a caregiver without specialized training — reducing application errors that compromise positioning effectiveness. The soft padded diagonal straps protect the skin during extended wear. The one-piece liner is launderable, and finger separators are included for optimal digit positioning. Suggested HCPCS code L3807 for insurance documentation.

Right for: Post-stroke hand weakness, wrist drop from radial nerve injury or compression, wrist and hand contracture management, post-surgical hand positioning after complex wrist or hand procedures, flaccid hand positioning, and any neurological or orthopedic condition requiring precise positioning of the wrist, hand, and fingers simultaneously. This product should be fitted with professional guidance — call us to discuss your specific clinical situation.

Important: The Rolyan Hanz WHFO is a clinical orthosis that benefits significantly from professional fitting. If you are purchasing for a stroke patient, post-surgical hand, or a neurological condition, we strongly recommend calling us or visiting one of our Southwest Florida locations so we can assist with the fitting process.

View Rolyan Hanz WHFO →

How to Choose — The Wrist Brace Decision Framework

Carpal Tunnel Tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers — worst at night or upon waking? Carpal tunnel syndrome. You need a neutral-position wrist splint with a palmer stay. The medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support — wear it during sleep every night. A compression sleeve without a stay will not address this condition.
De Quervain's Pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with gripping, pinching, or turning the wrist? Likely De Quervain's tenosynovitis. You need a thumb spica design that immobilizes both wrist and thumb: medi Universal Wrist Thumb Brace for moderate support or Actimove Wrist Splint with Abducted Thumb for firmer immobilization. A wrist-only brace will not provide adequate thumb tendon rest.
Tendonitis Wrist pain from repetitive activity — typing, work, sports — that improves with rest? Wrist tendonitis or repetitive strain. You need compression plus volar splint support: medi Manumed Active provides both in one clinical-quality product. Wear during the provocative activity.
Arthritis Chronic wrist pain with stiffness, particularly in the morning or after prolonged use? Wrist arthritis or arthrosis. The medi Manumed Active provides compression, warmth, and volar support appropriate for arthritis management during daily activity.
Post-Surgical / Neuro Post-surgical hand recovery, stroke-related hand weakness, wrist drop, or contracture management? A clinical WHFO is the right tool: Rolyan Hanz WHFO. Call us before purchasing — this product benefits from professional fitting guidance.

Sizing Your Wrist Brace — What to Measure and Why It Matters

How do I measure for a wrist brace?
Most wrist braces size from a single circumference measurement taken at the wrist — at the wrist crease, just below the wrist bones. Use a flexible fabric tape measure and wrap it snugly but not tightly around the wrist. Record the circumference in inches and match to the specific size chart for the product you are purchasing — sizing ranges differ between products and brands. For the Rolyan Hanz WHFO, two measurements are needed: the length from wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger, and the circumference across the knuckles (MCPs) at the widest point.
Left vs right hand — always specify. Most wrist braces are available in left and right hand configurations — they are not interchangeable. A left-hand brace worn on the right hand positions the palmer stay incorrectly and will not provide the intended wrist positioning. Always confirm which hand you are purchasing for before ordering. If you have bilateral carpal tunnel or need braces for both hands, order one left and one right.

Night Splint vs Day Brace — Do You Need Both?

For carpal tunnel syndrome specifically, the clinical evidence most strongly supports nighttime wear — preventing the sustained wrist flexion that causes median nerve compression during sleep. Many patients find that nighttime wear alone provides significant symptom improvement. For patients with significant daytime symptoms during work or activity, daytime wear during provocative tasks adds additional benefit. The medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support is suitable for both daytime and nighttime use. If your primary complaint is morning symptoms and nighttime pain — start with consistent nighttime wear before adding daytime use.


SW Florida Wrist Brace Considerations

Active Retirement — Golf, Pickleball & Repetitive Strain
Southwest Florida's active retirement population sees a high rate of wrist conditions from golf, pickleball, tennis, and fishing — activities that involve significant repetitive wrist loading.
Golf's repetitive grip and swing motion, pickleball's quick paddle strikes, fishing's repeated casting and reeling — all produce the kind of sustained repetitive wrist loading that leads to tendonitis, De Quervain's, and carpal tunnel aggravation in active older adults. For patients who want to stay on the court or the course while managing a wrist condition, the right brace allows continued activity while protecting the healing structure. The medi Manumed Active is a strong choice for activity use — structured enough to reduce tendon loading while functional enough to allow sport-modified activity. Discuss your specific activity with us when choosing.
Heat & Neoprene Compliance
Neoprene wrist braces retain heat — which can be therapeutically useful in cooler months but reduces compliance in SW Florida summers.
Therapeutic warmth from neoprene construction is clinically useful — it stimulates circulation and reduces stiffness. But in Southwest Florida from May through October, heat retention in a wrist brace can make extended daily wear uncomfortable enough that patients stop wearing it. For summer wear, the breathable alternatives — Actimove's neoprene-free Wrist Splint and medi's Clima Comfort Manumed Active — provide compression and support with significantly better breathability. We discuss this specifically for each patient when they come in during the warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a wrist brace while typing?

Yes — with the right brace. The medi protect Carpal Tunnel Support and medi Manumed Active are both designed to maintain full finger use and allow typing while the wrist is supported. The brace reduces extreme wrist flexion and extension that loads the carpal tunnel and wrist tendons, while the fingers remain free for keyboard work. For patients whose carpal tunnel or wrist tendonitis is aggravated by typing, a wrist brace worn during typing sessions — in addition to nighttime wear — is a practical and often effective part of conservative management.

How long should I wear a wrist brace each day?

It depends on the condition and the phase of management. For carpal tunnel syndrome, consistent nighttime wear is the clinical priority — every night, as continuously as comfortable. Daytime wear during provocative activities adds benefit. For De Quervain's in the acute phase, more extended daily wear is typically recommended to rest the inflamed tendons — often 6–8 hours or more per day during the acute period. For arthritis and tendonitis management, wearing during symptomatic activities and rest periods while allowing the wrist to move freely during low-demand activities is a reasonable approach. Your physician or physical therapist can specify a wearing protocol for your condition and phase of recovery.

Do I need a prescription for a wrist brace?

Most wrist supports and splints can be purchased without a prescription for self-directed use. The Rolyan Hanz WHFO is a clinical orthosis that typically requires professional fitting and may be covered by insurance with a prescription. For insurance coverage of any wrist orthosis — particularly for carpal tunnel syndrome documented by nerve conduction study or for post-surgical use — a physician's prescription will typically be needed. Call us at 866-218-0902 and we can advise on which products are commonly covered and what documentation is typically required.

What is the difference between a wrist brace and a wrist splint?

In common usage, the terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a clinical distinction. A wrist splint incorporates a rigid or semi-rigid stay — typically a palmer or dorsal bar — that holds the wrist in a specific position. A wrist brace or support may or may not include a stay, and the term is used more broadly for any supportive wrist product. For carpal tunnel syndrome and conditions requiring neutral wrist positioning, you specifically need a product with a palmer stay — not just any wrist wrap. When evaluating a product, look for the stay described in the product features, and confirm it is positioned on the palm side (volar/palmer) for carpal tunnel management.

Can I wear a wrist brace while sleeping?

Yes — and for carpal tunnel syndrome, nighttime wear is the primary clinical recommendation. A well-designed carpal tunnel support like the medi protect is comfortable for nighttime wear, maintains neutral wrist position during sleep, and allows the fingers to remain free. Most patients adapt to sleeping with a wrist splint within a few nights. For thumb spica designs used for De Quervain's, nighttime wear allows the inflamed tendons to rest during the hours when the hand is not in use — an important complement to daytime protection during provocative activities.


Five Locations Across Southwest Florida

Every location carries our full wrist and hand support selection with specialists who can help you match the right product to your specific condition, confirm hand size and configuration, and advise on fitting — particularly for clinical products like the Rolyan Hanz WHFO. Walk-ins welcome.

📍 Medical Department Store — Southwest Florida Showrooms

Venice 1180 Jacaranda Blvd, Venice, FL 34292 941-497-2273
Sarasota 3672 Webber St, Sarasota, FL 34232 941-923-7556
Port Charlotte 4265 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33980 941-743-6644
Fort Myers 8595 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919 239-482-6111
Naples 13030 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34105 239-529-2242

Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM · Saturday 9AM–3PM · Not in SW Florida? Call 866-218-0902 for nationwide delivery and phone consultation.

Ready to find the right wrist brace?

Tell us your condition or symptoms, which hand is affected, and your activity level. We will confirm the right product category, the right specific brace, and the correct size in one conversation. For clinical orthoses like the Rolyan Hanz WHFO, come into any of our showrooms and we will assist with the fitting.

📞 Call 866-218-0902 ✉ support@medicaldepartmentstore.com Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM · Saturday 9AM–3PM · Nationwide delivery available

Medical Department Store — Venice · Sarasota · Port Charlotte · Fort Myers · Naples
Authorized medi USA · Actimove · Rolyan Dealer · Wrist Braces & Hand Supports · Nationwide Delivery
📞 866-218-0902 · ✉ support@medicaldepartmentstore.com
Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM · Saturday 9AM–3PM

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