View source for Thumb spica splint

==Background==
*Notching the splinting material (shown) prevents buckling when wrapping around thumb.

==Indications==
*[[Scaphoid fracture]] - seen or suspected (i.e., snuffbox tenderness)
*[[De Quervain tenosynovitis]] / other ligamentous or soft tissue injuries to thumb (e.g., [[Gamekeeper's thumb]], [[Skier's thumb]]) 
*Nonangulated, nondisplaced, extra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal <ref>Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 6, 2017</ref>

==Procedure==
[[File:Thumb Spica.gif|thumb]]
{{Splint Application General Procedure}}

===Splint-Specific Details===
*Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
*Splint course:
**Radial aspect of mid-forearm to mid-distal phalanx of thumb
*Key anatomic positions
**Forearm in neutral position
**Wrist in slight extension (approximately 20°) 
**Thumb in functional "wineglass" position (ask patient to envision "holding a soda can")

==See Also==
*[[Splinting]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Procedures]]