A volar splint is a temporary orthopedic device used to immobilize the wrist and forearm following an injury or to manage certain medical conditions. The term “volar” refers to the palm, indicating the splint’s specific placement along the palmar side of the limb. This non-circumferential support is designed to stabilize the area, reduce pain, and prevent further injury. Unlike a full cast, the volar splint is not fully closed, which accommodates for swelling in the acute phase of an injury.
Anatomy and Purpose of the Volar Splint
The volar splint provides rigid support to the underside of the wrist and forearm. It is fabricated from plaster or fiberglass material and pre-padded with cotton or stockinette for cushioning and skin protection. Since it is applied only to the palm side, the splint leaves the dorsal (back) side of the forearm open. This open side is secured by a soft elastic bandage wrap. This design allows for soft tissue expansion and prevents the limb from being constricted if swelling increases.
The primary function of the volar splint is to restrict movement at the wrist joint. A healthcare professional molds the splint to hold the wrist in a functional position, usually slight extension between 10 and 20 degrees. This angle helps reduce pressure on the median nerve and minimizes tension on the wrist flexor tendons, promoting healing. The device extends from just below the elbow crease down to the palm crease, stabilizing the wrist joint while allowing the fingers to move freely. This partial immobilization makes the volar splint an effective tool for short-term support.
Common Medical Indications
Healthcare providers typically prescribe a volar splint for a range of acute injuries and temporary management of chronic conditions affecting the wrist and hand. It is employed for soft-tissue injuries, such as acute wrist sprains or strains to ligaments and tendons. The splint stabilizes the injured structures, reducing mechanical stress that can delay recovery.
The volar splint is a common initial treatment for skeletal injuries, particularly stable distal radius fractures like a Colles’ fracture. It holds fractured bone fragments in alignment until a specialist determines the need for a cast or surgery. For chronic issues, the splint provides temporary relief from carpal tunnel syndrome flare-ups by minimizing compression on the median nerve. It also protects surgical repairs of tendons or ligaments during post-operative care.
Practical Guidance for Wear and Care
Proper maintenance of the volar splint ensures healing progresses without complications. The most important instruction is to keep the splint completely dry. Moisture can soften the material, reducing stability and causing skin irritation or infection underneath the padding. When bathing, the splint must be covered with a waterproof protector, or the patient must take a sponge bath.
Patients must monitor for signs that the splint is too tight or causing neurovascular compromise, which can be a serious complication. Symptoms to watch for include excessive numbness or tingling in the fingers, a change in fingertip color (such as turning pale or blue), or severe swelling pushing out from the edges. Elevating the hand above the heart, particularly in the first 48 hours, helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Persistent or worsening pain, a foul odor, or the inability to move the fingers freely requires immediate contact with a medical professional.