How to Make a Thumb Spica Splint

[@XxAmethystRaynexX]

I came across this video because I was trying to DIY a splint. Anyway, i just wanted to say you have a cool job! I found the entire video fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

[@iandowley8059]

So true - I constantly find myself amazed that I can do something so fun and creative, and call it a job!

[@lets-wreak-havoc]

I wish you made my splint since you put so much care in getting a proper fit and making it comfortable for your patients. My therapist rushed and it's very uncomfortable to wear, so I don't. I could try reshaping it, but after watching this I may just buy a new sheet and try doing it myself.

[@iandowley8059]

It's not an easy splint to make on yourself ... it really helps to have 2 free hands! But yes, you are right, it really helps to take a little extra time, and to pay attention to the small details. Can make a huge difference to the patient's comfort. I hope your thumb makes a brilliant recovery 😊

[@w6263]

EXTREMELY HELPFUL! Thank you for the video!

[@iandowley8059]

You are very welcome! Let me know if there are other splinting videos you would like us to make 😊

[@sinthusubramaniyam2560]

It 's really helpful thank you sir

[@iandowley8059]

Hi Sinthu, glad you found it helpful! When I made the video I was hoping it would be useful for people all round the world. May I ask where you are?

[@geetanjalisahoo8101]

Thank you it helped me a lot in exam

[@texyat7388]

Great video. I have some questions. 1.) What type plastic is needed and where would I find it? 2.) Do you think it would be possible to make a splint for my own hand? I am right handed and have an issue with my left hand.

[@iandowley8059]

Hi there - glad you enjoyed the video! There are lots of thermoplastic options on the market, usually available through medical supply companies. The one I use in the video is an Orfit product, called Orfit Colors 2.0mm microperforated. Making a splint on your own hand is certainly possible - I have done it myself - but I would not recommend it for a novice. It takes a while to get used to working with the plastic, and having 2 hands free is a great help! Hopefully you can find someone to help you out. All the best 😊

[@vestcoat]

That was fascinating.

[@iandowley8059]

I'm glad you enjoyed! The thermoplastic is really cool stuff to work with 😊

[@MarthaWocket]

How do you suggest to clean these?

[@iandowley8059]

Hi there 😊- Great question! These thermoplastics are pretty robust, and handle almost anything except intense heat (>60 degrees C). I recommend washing in warm soapy water, using a scrubbing brush (or even an old toothbrush) if it is particularly dirty. Rinse off, and towel dry. Keep in mind that while dirt can be washed off, some stains will never come out. This is usually either fabric dyes (eg if you wear a red long sleeved top, you might get a pinkish stain in the plastic) or newspaper ink (can make the splint look really grubby). I have not yet come across a technique to get rid of these stains. All the best!

[@MarthaWocket]

@@iandowley8059 this is the fastest reply I've ever seen! Wow thank you so much!! I just got my first thermoplastics brace for my HSD and it's already been really nice and helpful!!! Do you think y'all might make another video at some point about ones that brace the wrist as well as the thumb?

[@cathybryant1467]

Are you using the non-sticky or sticky version of Orfit?

[@flex.physio]

HI Cathy - my preference, and what I am using in the video, is the Orfit Colors range (2mm microperforated). It is the coated, non-sticky type of plastic. You need to work a little harder to get your velcro tabs to stay secure, but I like the finish and the ease of doing pinch+pop tabs while moulding. Happy splinting!

[@mehnazfatimaabdulnasir4247]

Do physiotherapist practice these in their clinical area ?

[@dezzaman100]

Hi, are there any landmarks or any ways to measure how big to make the pattern?

[@iandowley8059]

Good question! Hard to describe in words though - I will have to make a short video to show how to do it... If you picture the splint pattern as a pair of trousers, the 'waist band' is going to wrap around just below the IP joint circumferentially. From the lateral edge of the waist band down to the 'hip' angle correlates to the distance from thumb IP to thumb CMC joints. From the middle of the waist band to the 'crotch' of the trousers correlates with the distance from thumb IP joint to the distal palmar crease at the base of the index finger. The legs of the trousers just need to be long enough to wrap around the hand and meet together dorsally. Hope this helps! - Ian

[@dezzaman100]

@@iandowley8059 A video would be great thank you!

[@iandowley8059]

@@dezzaman100 Done - check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKewpHd9eZl4opY 🙂

[@cadillacescalade1]

Can you post the template

[@iandowley8059]

Done - check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKewpHd9eZl4opY 🙂

[@dwisutan3578]

Name material pls ?

[@iandowley8059]

Hi there. The plastic shown in the video is an Orfit product, part of the Orfit Colors range. I use a 2mm microperforated plastic for most of my splinting unless I need something particularly rigid and robust. Happy splinting! Ian