What kind of splint is used for a broken thumb?
What kind of splint is used for a broken thumb?
Upper Extremity Splinting and Casting Chart
| Region | Type of splint/cast |
|---|---|
| Thumb, first metacarpal, and carpal bones | Thumb spica splint/cast |
| Finger injuries | Buddy taping |
| Aluminum U-shaped splint | |
| Dorsal extension-block splint |
Should you splint a fractured thumb?
You will likely wear a cast or splint for 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. When the cast is removed, your doctor may recommend hand therapy to restore movement to your hand. It can take 3 months or more to regain full use of the hand, depending on the severity of the injury.
How do you splint a thumb fracture?
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. Wrap the elastic wrap over the splinting material distally to proximally and overlap each revolution by half the width of the elastic wrap.
How long should I wear thumb splint?
How long do you need to wear a thumb brace? A typical treatment time may include wearing a splint for most of the day for 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, you may need to remove the splint several times a day. You’ll do this to exercise your hand and maintain its range of movement.
When should you wear a thumb splint?
A thumb splint is usually made from breathable fabrics with metal or plastic inserts to support the thumb. It helps relieve pain caused by injury or arthritis and restricts movement before and after surgery. Splinting helps immobilize your thumb for a quicker recovery while forcing you to rest your thumb.
When should you splint a thumb?
By far, the most common reason to wear a thumb splint is either for a thumb sprain or for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis….Other conditions that might require a thumb splint are:
- Post-operative.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Thumb fracture.
- Wrist tendonitis.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Gamekeeper’s Thumb.
- Skier’s thumb.
Should you sleep with a splint on?
Do not take your splint or cast off unless instructed to do so by your therapist. There are some basic principles of sleep hygiene that can be useful to try to improve your quality of sleep: Try to avoid screens one hour before bedtime. Try some relaxation before bed such as calm app or headspace app.
Do thumb splints work?
Thumb braces are a simple, cost-effective way to reduce pain, provide support, improve movement and ease the stress on your joints. Wearing a brace can help eliminate your pain, but keep in mind you might need to wear it long-term or with other treatments such as medication, topical lotions and therapy.