Radial Gutter Thumb Immobilization Splint

Figure 8 3 a radial gutter thumb immobilization splint.

Radial gutter thumb immobilization splint.

Immobilization of the thumb with a removable splint after a. Use plaster that is 3 4 in. When a metacarpal fracture is present a clinical examination for malrotation should also be performed. Measure the plaster of paris.

Use of a short arm radial gutter splint is recommended for initial immobilization of a displaced distal radial fracture. Orfit industries now offers pre cut wrist thumb immobilization orthoses in four excellent colors and instructions in our educational corner. The radial gutter design immobilizes the thumb and wrist but covers only half of the volar and half of the dorsal surfaces. Dip extension splint used for distal finger injuries for protection and support percutaneous pinning at distal finger dip hyperextension splint mallet fingers ulnar radial gutter splint used for fractures of the hand.

Cut out a 3 or 4 inch splint material to the length necessary to immobilize the wrist and mcp joint. Use of a short arm radial gutter splint is recommended for initial immobilization of a displaced distal radial fracture. Nondisplaced fractures of the proximal phalynx of the thumb. With the second through fifth fingers slightly flexed the nail beds of adjacent fingers should lie in the same plane.

Bisect the splint longitudinally from the fingertips to the wrist. The final splint product will be formed based on the therapeutic goals for the client. For an average sized adult a radial gutter splint should be eight to 10 layers thick. A radial gutter splint is often applied for uncomplicated metacarpal fractures.

Then when the material hardens the edges can be popped apart and trimmed. After counting the layers measure the plaster from the second distal ip dip joint to the proximal third of the forearm. The radial gutter splint provides both volar and dorsal splint immobilization of these metacarpal injuries. Sprain of the ulna collateral ligament dimensions dimensions are the same as for a.

The therapist should have a good understanding of the purpose and the fabrication process. Radial gutter splint thumb spica splint indications l fractures and soft tissue injuries of 5th digit l fractures of the neck shaft and base of 4th and 5th metacarpals construction l start at mid forearm l extend down ulnar forearm l end at mid distal phalanx l include the 4th and 5th digits application l hand in position of function l. Splinting common static splints tip protector splint used for distal finger injuries for protection and support. Nondisplaced fractures of the first metacarpal bone.

A thumb spica splint is essentially a radial gutter splint adapted for immobilization of the thumb.