A finger splint is a specialized medical device designed to stabilize an injured finger, holding it in a fixed position to encourage healing and prevent further damage. This immobilization is crucial for conditions like fractures, severe sprains, tendon injuries, and dislocations, allowing damaged tissues to mend without interruption. Splints, sometimes called orthoses, provide rigid external support, often constructed from materials such as plastic, aluminum, or foam. Understanding the correct way to select, apply, and maintain this support is important for both comfort and a successful recovery.
Preparing the Finger and Selecting the Splint
Proper preparation begins before the splint is secured to the finger. The skin must be clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection from moisture trapped beneath the device. Avoid applying lotions or oils, as these can reduce the splint’s grip and promote skin breakdown. If the finger has an open wound, this must be dressed appropriately before splinting material is applied.
Selecting the right splint type and size ensures effective immobilization. Common types include static splints, such as malleable aluminum-foam splints, which hold the finger rigid, and stack splints, rigid plastic devices often used for fingertip injuries like mallet finger. For minor sprains, a buddy splint, which involves taping the injured finger to an adjacent healthy finger, may be appropriate. The splint must be correctly sized; a device that is too loose will fail to stabilize the injury, and one that is too short may leave the injury site unprotected.
A correctly sized splint should extend far enough to immobilize the affected joint, but not restrict movement in unaffected joints, which can lead to stiffness. For full finger splints, the device should generally be measured from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint to the fingertip. For malleable splints, the material should be molded to the finger’s contour, and sharp cut edges should be rounded or taped to prevent skin injury.
Step-by-Step Application and Securing the Splint
The application of the splint centers on precise placement and careful securing to achieve stability without compromising circulation. The correct positioning varies depending on the injury type, but often involves a specific degree of flexion or full extension. For instance, mallet finger requires the distal joint to be held in full extension, or even slight hyperextension, to allow the torn tendon to heal. Other injuries involving the middle joints may require the finger to be placed in slight flexion, often around 15 to 30 degrees.
Once the finger is correctly positioned, the splint is secured using medical tape, straps, or self-adhesive wraps. The tape or straps should be applied above and below the immobilized joint, avoiding wrapping directly over the injured site. When securing the splint, the goal is a snug fit, not a tight one; excessive pressure can restrict blood flow and irritate nerve tissue.
To check for proper tightness, ensure that a fingertip can be comfortably slid under the securing straps. After application, check the color and temperature of the fingertip to ensure blood flow is not compromised. The fingertips should remain warm and pink, and the patient should not experience immediate tingling or numbness, which are signs of a splint that is too tight.
Routine Care and Maintaining Skin Health
Ongoing maintenance of the splint and the skin underneath prevents complications during the healing period. Moisture is a primary concern, as a wet splint can lead to skin maceration, blistering, and increased risk of infection, especially if there is a wound. For bathing or showering, the splint should be covered with a plastic bag and sealed with tape if it is non-removable. If the splint is removable, it should be taken off, and the skin and splint should be thoroughly dried before reapplication.
The splint should be kept clean, often requiring daily wiping with a damp cloth and mild soap, or an alcohol wipe for non-removable varieties. If the splint is made of heat-sensitive plastic, only cold water should be used for cleaning to prevent the device from losing its shape. For removable splints, the finger underneath should be gently washed and dried daily, paying special attention to the creases and folds of the skin.
Regularly inspecting the skin around the splint’s edges and visible areas is important for early detection of pressure points. Look for localized redness, chafing, or indentations that do not quickly disappear after the splint is briefly loosened or removed. If the splint has padding or foam, this material should also be checked for wear and tear, and replaced or adjusted if it is causing discomfort or friction.
Recognizing and Addressing Complications
Monitoring for signs of neurovascular compromise is a safety measure when wearing any immobilization device. Symptoms such as persistent numbness, a pins-and-needles sensation, or a burning or stinging feeling indicate potential nerve impingement or excessive pressure. A finger that becomes cold, pale, or blue suggests that circulation is severely restricted, requiring immediate loosening of the splint.
Swelling that rapidly increases or severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication should prompt immediate medical evaluation. While some initial swelling is normal after an injury, excessive or worsening swelling may mean the splint is now too restrictive due to fluid buildup. Another sign requiring attention is a foul odor or drainage coming from beneath the splint, which can indicate a developing infection or skin breakdown.
If the splint feels slightly tight but circulation appears fine, a minor adjustment of the straps may be sufficient. However, if severe neurovascular or infection-related symptoms are present, the splint should be loosened immediately and professional medical advice sought. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious complications, including permanent nerve damage or tissue death.