Ulnar gutter splint

Background

• Limits flexion/extension of the 4th/5th DIP, PIP, MCP, and wrist joints

Indications

• Hand and finger fractures and soft tissue injuries of 4th and 5th digit
• Boxer's fracture

Procedure

• Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
• Apply splinting material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as displayed
• Wrist should remain slightly extended (10° to 20°) with 4th and 5th MCP at 50° to 90° flexion (the latter for Boxer's fracture) and DIP/PIP in slight flexion
• Place padding between 4th and 5th digits to prevent maceration
• Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation

See Also

• Splinting

References

Authors

Rafael Caban, Ross Donaldson, Michael Holtz, Ted Fan, Neil Young, Daniel Ostermayer, Charley Randazzo