thumb spica splint flmngo l 1'

Highlights

Thumb metacarpal fracture

Scaphoid fracture

Lunate fracture

Thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries

De Quervain's tenosynovitis

Description

Thumb splints keep the thumb immobilized while still allowing the fingers to move. Thumb spica splints will support joints that are painful or unstable due to arthritis or soft tissue injury. Also, wearing thumb spica splints for day-to day activity will protect the joint and improve the function of the hand.

Directions For Use

Wear nonsterile gloves.

Apply stockinette to cover the thumb.

Cut a hole in the second stockinette to allow for protrusion of the thumb.

Apply second stockinette to cover the area from the MCP joints to the mid-forearm

Wrap the padding from the MCP joint to the mid-forearm slightly beyond the area to be covered by the splint material; overlap each turn by half the width of the padding and periodically tear the wrapping across its width to decrease the risk of tissue compression

Wrap the padding around the thumb.

Smooth the padding as necessary. Ensure there are no folds in the padding. Tear away any excess padding to prevent areas of localized pressure on the skin.

Lay out a length of splint material matching the distance from just past the DIP joint of the thumb to the mid-forearm.

Unroll additional splint material, folding it back and forth along the first length until there are 6 to 8 layers (when using single-layer rolls).

Alternatively, if using ready-made splint material, cut a single piece to the above length.

Immerse the splinting material in lukewarm water.

Squeeze excess water from the splinting material (do not wring out plaster).

Apply the splint material around the thumb and radial side of the forearm.

Fold the extra stockinette and cotton padding to cover all edges of the splinting material.

Warnings

Ensure padding and elastic wraps are not applied too tightly.

The base of the thumb is a common site for excess plaster folds in this splint.

Precautions

none