Conditions and injuries of the finger, hand, wrist, forearm and elbow: what they are, how they behave, and when they stop being minor.
A yoke splint holds one finger slightly higher or lower than its neighbors, protecting a tendon while the hand keeps moving. After an extensor repair it’s usually worn full time for about 6 weeks, then weaned.
A thumb spica splint holds the thumb in a C shape while the fingers stay free. Hand-based for thumb base arthritis and skier’s thumb, forearm-based for De Quervain’s and scaphoid fractures, usually worn for 3 to 6 weeks.
A C-bar (first web space splint) holds the thumb away from the index finger so the web can’t tighten after burns, crush injuries, surgery, nerve palsy or stroke. Most people wear it at night for 6 weeks to 6 months; after burns, often 12 to 18 months.
A metacarpal fracture brace holds a broken hand bone in line while the fingers keep moving. Most people wear it full-time for about 3 to 4 weeks, then for activity to around week 6, with heavy grip back at 8 to 12 weeks.
A PIP extension block splint stops the middle finger joint straightening past a safe angle while letting it bend fully. Most people wear it full-time for 4 to 6 weeks, opened about 10 degrees a week until the finger reaches straight.
A humeral fracture brace is fitted 1 to 2 weeks after the break and worn full time until the bone heals, commonly 10 to 12 weeks. How to keep it tight, protect your skin, and keep the hand, wrist and elbow from stiffening.
You can sometimes play sport in a playing cast or padded splint, but only with a stable injury, your surgeon’s clearance and your sport’s rules on your side. For a stable hand fracture that’s usually not before the first 2 to 4 weeks.
A static progressive splint or serial cast holds a stiff joint at the edge of its range and moves that edge a little further each time. They’re used when exercise has plateaued, usually 6 to 12+ weeks after injury, in 20 to 30 minute sessions or casts changed every 2 to 7 days.
A cubital tunnel night splint holds the elbow at about 30 to 45 degrees while you sleep, worn every night for around 3 months. Most people who are going to improve notice it between weeks 4 and 8.
A fingertip protector is a small rigid cap that takes the knocks while a crushed tip, tuft fracture or nail bed repair heals. Most people wear it most of the day for 2 weeks, for risky tasks to week 4, and are out of it by 4 to 6 weeks.