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Splints

Physician-grade splinting reference: indications, technique, and pearls for the most common splints in sports medicine and primary care.

ðŸŽŊ Indications

UCL injury (Gamekeeper / Skier's thumb)
Suspected scaphoid fracture (snuffbox tenderness)
Bennett or Rolando fracture (1st MC base)
De Quervain's tenosynovitis flare
1st CMC osteoarthritis flare
Trapezium fracture

🔧 Technique

  1. 1Wrist in 20° extension, thumb in mid-abduction ("can-holding" position)
  2. 2Splint extends from proximal forearm along the radial border, wrapping the thumb
  3. 3For scaphoid concern: include thumb IP joint
  4. 4For UCL or De Quervain's: leave thumb IP free
  5. 5Mold around the thenar eminence; avoid pressure on the radial styloid
  6. 6Check radial pulse and sensation before and after application

ðŸ’Ą Pearls & Pitfalls

A Stener lesion (complete UCL tear with displaced adductor aponeurosis) needs surgical repair — examine UCL stress at 0° and 30° MCP flexion once swelling allows
Snuffbox tenderness + negative X-ray = treat as scaphoid fracture, splint and repeat imaging or MRI in 7–14 days
Do NOT use thumb spica for De Quervain's if IP is included — it limits return to function
Re-examine all "wrist sprains" at 7–10 days; many occult scaphoid fractures are missed initially