How long do you wear a thumb spica cast?
The thumb is immobilized in a short-arm thumb spica cast for 4 to 6 weeks followed by gentle active motion exercises for another 4 weeks. Strengthening is not started until at least 8 weeks after surgery.
What is the purpose of a thumb spica splint?
They are primarily used to secure nonemergency injuries to bones until they can be evaluated by a consultant such as an orthopedic surgeon. They are also used to temporarily immobilize an extremity before surgery (eg, for an open fracture) or to assist in primary healing.
When applying the thumb spica splint what is the position of the wrist?
While the plaster is still wet, mold the splint into the desired shape. The wrist and hand should be in a neutral position. Extend the wrist to 20°, and abduct the thumb.
Can you drive with a thumb spica cast?
However, only the fiberglass spica casts (both left and right arm), significantly increased drive run failures due to loss of vehicle control. We recommend against driving when wearing a below-elbow fiberglass spica cast on either extremity.
What is thumb spica cast?
Thumb spica splints are a type of orthopedic splint applied to minimize movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury of the thumb. This kind of splint usually allows the other fingers to move freely.
When do you wear a thumb spica splint?
The most severe cases require surgery to join completely ripped ligaments in the thumb. Whether you need a thumb splint for post-surgical support or for support after a minor injury (like a partial tear), the thumb splint with a spica will help keep the thumb from moving excessively. This lets the thumb rest.
Is there a Spica immobilizer for the thumb?
at the base of the first metacarpal FlexiOH® Thumb Spica immobilizers are designed for immobilization of thumb. It has an inbuilt soft hook and loop fastener which is very comfortable for skin contact.
What do you need to know about a thumb spica cast?
What is a thumb spica cast? A spica splint is a type of orthopedic splint used to immobilize the thumb and/or wrist while allowing the other digits freedom to move. It is also suitable for post-operative use or after removal of a hand/thumb cast.
Are there different sizes of flexioh thumb immobilizer?
FlexiOH® Thumb Spica Immobilizer comes in 3 different sizes : S, M and L. All of the immobilizers vary in terms of palm circumference, wrist circumference, and thumb circumference. For the best fit of FlexiOH® Thumb Spica Immobilizer, taking the measurement of patient’s hand is necessary before application.
How long does it take for a spica cast to harden?
Thumb Spica Cast (Picture 1) or rigid thumb spica consists of layers of plaster of Paris or fiberglass molded over and enclosing the thumb, wrist, and forearm (Video 1). After application it takes around 15-30 minutes to harden and thereafter provides a firm support for healing of thumb injuries.