Splinting

Question 1

Distal interphalangeal splint

Answer 1

• rigid splint on volar or dorsal aspect of finger

- from tip of finger to proximal phalanx

Question 2

Conditions for using distal interphalangeal splint

Answer 2

• mallet finger
• distal phalanx fx
• DIP joint arthritis

Question 3

Ulnar gutter splint

Answer 3

• covers ulnar aspect of hand and 4th/5th digits
• immobilizes metacarpals and phalanges
• commonly used following fx

Question 4

Ulnar gutter splint hand position

Answer 4

• 60-90˚ MCP flexion
• IP joints in full extension
• wrist in slight extension

Question 5

Radial gutter splint

Answer 5

• rigid splint covering radial side of forearm and hand + 2nd and 3rd digits
• includes a thenar hole for thumb movement
• often used following fx

Question 6

Radial gutter splint hand positioning

Answer 6

• 60-90˚ MCP flexion
• DIP in full extension
• wrist in slight extension

Question 7

Thumb spica splint

Answer 7

• rigid splint covering radial side of forearm and hand/thumb

Question 8

Thumb spica splint: common uses

Answer 8

• Gamekeeper’s thumb
• scaphoid fx
• 1st MCP fx
• de Quervain’s syndrome
• other thumb injuries

Question 9

Thumb spica hand positioning

Answer 9

• wrist in 20˚ extension

- MCP joint in slight flexion

Question 10

Volar/dorsal forearm splint

Answer 10

• extends from proximal forearm to metacarpal heads, allowing for full elbow and MCP motion
• includes thenar hole

Question 11

Volar/dorsal forearm splint uses

Answer 11

• carpal fx
• distal radial or ulnar fx
• soft tissue conditions

Question 12

Why might the wrist be placed in slight extension during splinting? (Muscle advantage)

Answer 12

Shortens finger flexors for improved mechanical advantage

Question 13

Sugar tong splint

Answer 13

Covers wrist and elbow

Question 14

Used for sugar tong splint

Answer 14

• carpal fx

- distal radius or ulna fx

Question 15

Long arm splint

Answer 15

• Typically on posterior aspect, covers elbow

- prevents elbow flexion/extension and pronation/supination

Question 16

Use for long arm splint

Answer 16

• elbow or proximal forearm fx

- soft tissue injury