how to do splinting

1. SPLINTING WHEN YOU HAVE NO
THERAPISTS
Sue Shaw
Senior Occupational Therapist, Hands
St George Hospital/Orthopaedic Outreach
2017

2. SPLINTS ANY DOCTOR CAN MAKE
 When there is no therapist to refer to
 When your patient cannot afford to see the
therapist

3. MALLET SPLINT
 Purpose: to immobilise the DIP joint for 6-10
weeks (0° or hyperextension)

4. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME SPLINT
 Purpose: to rest the wrist in 0°

5. CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME SPLINT
 Purpose: to limit elbow flexion & to pad the
elbow (cubital tunnel)

6. TAPING FOR BASAL THUMB OA
 This can also be used for thumb UCL or RCL
injuries

7. TRIGGER FINGER SPLINT
 Purpose: to limit the excursion of FDP (&
FDS)

8. POSI (POSITION OF SAFE IMMOBILISATION)
SPLINT
 Purpose: to rest the hand & wrist in an ideal
position to avoid developing contractures

9. THUMB SPICA SPLINT
 Purpose: to immobilise the 1st ray

10. SINGLE FINGER SPLINT
 Purpose: to immobilise or provide a block to
prevent movement in 1 direction

11. FLEXOR TENDON REPAIR SPLINT
 Purpose: to provide a dorsal block so that an
early active or passive motion protocol can
be carried out

12. EXTENSOR TENDON REPAIR SPLINT
 Purpose: Z1-4: to immobilise the finger. Z5+:
to provide a volar block so that an early
active or passive motion protocol can be
carried out

13. QUESTIONS??
 There are splints that a doctor can make
when you have no therapist