Thumb digital neuropathy caused by splinting
Kagel, E.M.; Rayan, G.M.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 93(9): 435-436
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 11030140 Document Number: 515252
Healthcare professionals are currently faced with a great variety of splints and splinting materials. Choices range from prefabricated products to custom splints made on-site from plaster, orthoplast, or fiberglass. In addition to providing immobilization to maintain a particular posture, a splint must protect important soft tissues. Patients with hand or wrist injuries often receive a prefabricated metal cock-up wrist splint in emergency departments. Complications from splints are not uncommon but are infrequently reported. We report a case in which a metal wrist cock-up splint caused compression of the thumb ulnar digital nerve. Preventive measures for such complication are included.