Splints

Question 1

What are 3 conditions a DIP splint could help treat?

Answer 1

1. Mallet finger
2. Distal Phalanx Fracture
3. DIP joint arthritis

Question 2

What is an ulnar gutter splint?
Why is it used?

What position are the joints placed in?

Answer 2

Rigid splint covering the ulnar side of the forearm and hand as well as the fourth and fifth digits.
-Used to immobilize metacarpals and phalanges often following a fracture

-The MCP joints are placed in 60-90 degrees of flexion with the IP joints in full extension and the wrist in slight extension

Question 3

What is a radial gutter splint?

Why is it used?

What position are the joints in?

Answer 3

• rigid splint covering the radial side of the forearm and hand as well as the second and third digits. Teh splint includes the thenar hole to allow free movement of the thumb. commonly used for fracture
• MCP joints are placed in 60-90 degrees of flexion and IP joints in full extension, wrist slight extension

Question 4

What is a thumb spica splint?

Why is it used?

What position are the joints in?

Answer 4

• Rigid splint that covers the radial side of the forearm, hand, as well as thumb.
• used to immobilize the wrist and MCP joint of thumb to treat Gamekeepers, Scaphoid Fracutures, First Metacarpal Fractures, and de Quervain’s Syndrome

-wrist in 20 degrees of extension, MCP joint in slight flexion

Question 5

What is a volar/dorsal forearm splint?

Why is it used?

What position are joints held in?

Answer 5

• Rigid splint that extends from the proximal forearm to the metacarpal heads, allowing for full elbow and MCP joint motion
• used to treat fractures of carpals, fractures of the distal radius or ulna or soft tissue condtions (sprains)
• placing wrist in 20 degrees of extension will shorten finger flexors and have improved mechanical advantage for gripping

Question 6

What is a Sugar Tong Splint?

Why is it used?

What position are the joints held in?

Answer 6

• Rigid splint covering the wrist and elbow joints, limits supination/pronation as well as any wrist motion
• carpal fractures, distal radius or ulna fractures
• Elbow should be in 90 degrees of flexion with the wrist/forearm in neutral

Question 7

What is a Long Arm Splint?

Why is it used?

What position are joints held in?

Answer 7

• rigid splint covering the elbow joint, spanning from wrist to distal humerus (typically posterior). Prevents flex/ex/sup/pro
• used to immobilize elbow joint and allow for healing after surgery or injury
• Elbow in 90, neutral forearm