Radial Vs Ulnar Gutter Splint

A radial gutter splint is a type of splint that is used to treat fractures of the index second and long third fingers.

Radial vs ulnar gutter splint.

It is so named because these fingers lie on the radial lateral side of the hand. Ulnar gutter casts are used for fractures to the metacarpals and phalanges of the pinky and ring fingers while radial gutter casts are used for fractures to the metacarpals and phalanges of the. This allows for the expansion of the padding due to swelling. In cases where moderate to significant swelling is anticipated the padding is cut lengthwise along the lateral or radial side of the forearm before applying the wet plaster.

Ideally the cast is applied 24 to 48 hours or more after. But long ago i quit making splints that encase only the radial or ulnar aspect of the wrist and hand. Perhaps it is the name gutter i dislike. Definitive or alternative treatment of injuries commonly treated with ulnar gutter splint 8.

Ulnar gutter splints are applied to the outer part of the arm and radial gutter splints are applied to the inner part of the arm. The indication for such a splint orthosis is likely a metacarpal fracture. The ulnar gutter splint can also be used in positioning for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.