Thumb spica splint
(Redirected from Thumb Spica Splint)
Background
- Notching the splinting material (shown) prevents buckling when wrapping around thumb.
Indications
- Scaphoid fracture - seen or suspected (i.e., snuffbox tenderness)
- De Quervain tenosynovitis / other ligamentous or soft tissue injuries to thumb (e.g., Gamekeeper's thumb, Skier's thumb)
- Nonangulated, nondisplaced, extra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal [1]
Procedure
Splint Application General Procedure
- Assess pre-procedure neurovascular status (i.e., distal pulse, motor, and sensation) [2]
- Measure and prepare the splinting material
- May use contralateral extremity if easier
- Most splints use a width slightly greater than the diameter of the limb
- Apply stockinette (if applicable)
- Extend 2" beyond estimated the splinting material length
- Apply padding (if applicable)
- Use 2–3 layers over the area to be splinted / between digits (when applicable)
- Add an extra 2–3 layers over bony prominences
- Apply splinting material
- Lightly moisten the splinting material.
- Place as appropriate to specific splint type
- Once finished, if applicable fold the ends of stockinette back over the splinting material if there is excess
- Apply elastic bandaging (e.g., ace wrap)
- While still wet
- May further mold the splint to the desired shape
- Maintain position until splint material has hardened
- Re-check and document repeat neurovascular status
Splint-Specific Details
- Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
- Splint course:
- Radial aspect of mid-forearm to mid-distal phalanx of thumb
- Key anatomic positions
- Forearm in neutral position
- Wrist in slight extension (approximately 20°)
- Thumb in functional "wineglass" position (ask patient to envision "holding a soda can")
See Also
References
- ↑ Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 6, 2017
- ↑ Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017