Splints Flashcards
DIP splint
Runs from tip of finger to proximal middle phalanx. Used to immobilize DIP joint for conditions including mallet finger, DIP fracture, and DIP arthritis.
For mallet finger, DIP should be in neutral or slight hyperextension to allow damaged extensor tendon to heal.
Ulnar gutter splint
Covers ulnar side of forearm and 4th and 5th digits. Used to immobilize metacarpals and phalanges following a fracture. MCP joints placed in 60-90 deg of flexion and IP joints in full extension with wrist in slight extension.
Radial gutter splint
Covers radial side of forearm and 2nd and 3rd digits. Used to immobilize metacarpals and phalanges following a fracture. MCP joints placed in 60-90 deg of flexion and IP joints in full extension with wrist in slight extension.
Thumb spica splint
Covers radial forearm and hand. Used to immobilize wrist and MCP joint of thumb and commonly used for gamekeeper’s thumb, scaphoid fractures, 1st MCP fractures, de Quervain’s syndrome, and other thumb injuries. Wrist in 20 deg of extension and MCP joint in slight flexion.
Volar/dorsal forearm splint
Extends from proximal forearm to metacarpal heads. Used to immobilize wrist and often used to treat fractures of the carpals or distal radius or ulna. Also for soft tissue conditions like sprain, tendonitis. Position of splint depends on condition being treated.
Sugar tong splint
Covers wrist and elbow. Limits supination and pronation and wrist movement. Commonly used to treat carpal and distal radius/ulna fractures. Elbow should be in 90 deg of flexion with wrist and forearm in neutral.
Long arm splint
Extends from wrist to distal humerus. Prevents elbow flexion, extension, supination, and pronation. Used to immobilize elbow following elbow or proximal forearm fracture or to treat soft tissue injury (tendonitis or tendon repair). Elbow in 90 deg of flexion with forearm in neutral.
