Forearm volar splint

Background

• May add a dorsal splint for increased stability (‘sandwich splint’)
• Not used for distal radius or ulnar fracture because this splint allows for supination and pronation

Indications

• Soft tissue hand / wrist injuries - sprain, carpal tunnel night splints, etc
• Most wrist fracture, 2nd -5th metacarpal fracture

Procedure

• Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
• Apply padding and splint material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as shown
  • Splint should run from dorsal or volar mid-forearm to the distal palmar crease
  • Wrist should be placed in slight extension (approximately 20°)
• Maintain position until splint material has hardened and secure splint to arm (e.g. ace wraps)
• Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation

See Also

• Splinting

References

Authors

Ross Donaldson