After a hand fracture, which splint is used to avoid ligament contracture?

After a hand fracture, which splint is used to avoid ligament contracture?

• A. Intrinsic Plus splint
• B. Ulnar gutter splint
• C. Thumb Spica splint
• D. Dorsal extension splint

Answer: (A)

The important idea is using a position that prevents ligaments around the finger joints from shortening during healing. An intrinsic plus splint places the MCP joints in slight flexion (about 70–90 degrees) while keeping the PIP and DIP joints extended. This anti-deformity position lengthens and stabilizes the collateral ligaments at the MCP joints, preserves the web space between fingers, and maintains the balance of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles so the joints don’t stiffen into contractures as the fracture heals. Other splints target specific areas or joints (like the thumb or the ulnar digits) or keep the hand in extension, which isn’t aimed at preventing MCP collateral ligament shortening and can contribute to stiffness or other contractures rather than preventing them.

The important idea is using a position that prevents ligaments around the finger joints from shortening during healing. An intrinsic plus splint places the MCP joints in slight flexion (about 70–90 degrees) while keeping the PIP and DIP joints extended. This anti-deformity position lengthens and stabilizes the collateral ligaments at the MCP joints, preserves the web space between fingers, and maintains the balance of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles so the joints don’t stiffen into contractures as the fracture heals.

Other splints target specific areas or joints (like the thumb or the ulnar digits) or keep the hand in extension, which isn’t aimed at preventing MCP collateral ligament shortening and can contribute to stiffness or other contractures rather than preventing them.