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What is the Ulnar Gutter Splint?

F. Hay
F. Hay

An ulnar gutter splint is a flexible splint that is used to support, stabilize and immobilize dislocations and fractures of the hands, fingers or wrists. After an injury to the hands, fingers or wrists, immobilization by splinting or casting is necessary in order to allow the bones and tissues to heal properly. If the fracture is severe and splinting or casting is not medically feasible, then surgery might be required, using pins, plates and screws, or even an external fixation device, to repair the fractured bone. An ulnar gutter splint typically extends along the ulna bone, the bone on the pinkie finger's side of the forearm, partially covering the arm from just below the elbow to the palm or pinkie.

The specific type of dislocation or fracture of the affected extremity will determine whether a splint or cast is the most appropriate treatment. For many wrist fractures or dislocations, an ulnar gutter splint is the method of preferred treatment rather than a cast. This is because a splint is flexible and can expand for tissue swelling.

Gauze is one item used when applying a ulnar gutter splint.
Gauze is one item used when applying a ulnar gutter splint.

Ulnar gutter splints are formed around the fractured area using gauze, pads, bandage clips or tape and then wrapped with an elastic bandage. This type of splinting is less restrictive than a cast. A cast is inflexible, usually made of fiberglass or plaster and could cause serious damage if applied too tightly or if the injured tissue continues to swell.

Ulnar gutter splint may be needed after a wrist injury.
Ulnar gutter splint may be needed after a wrist injury.

A very common fracture to the wrist area is a Colles’ fracture, also known as a distal radius fracture, which occurs when a person tries to break a fall with outstretched hands. Elderly people are extremely vulnerable to this type of wrist fracture and might require medical splint management, casting or even surgery. Automobile accidents and sports-related injuries also might result in a Colles’ fracture and, if not too severe, can be treated effectively with an ulnar gutter splint.

Trauma to the wrist may make it difficult to locate the radial pulse.
Trauma to the wrist may make it difficult to locate the radial pulse.

Symptoms of a wrist fracture or Colles’ fracture include pain and swelling around or near the fractured area. Grasping or lifting objects might be difficult or entirely impossible. If the break is severe, a deformity might be seen at the fracture site.

After a splint is applied, it is important to follow medical advice in order to expedite the healing process. The injured extremity should be kept in an elevated position, because this will help to reduce the pain. Initially, keeping ice packs on top of the ulnar gutter splint in the area of the fracture will help to reduce swelling and wrist pain.

An arm may be kept in a splint to further immobilize an injury being treated with an ulnar gutter splint.
An arm may be kept in a splint to further immobilize an injury being treated with an ulnar gutter splint.

Keeping the hand higher than the elbow when resting or reclining also will decrease pain. When walking, the ulnar gutter splint should be supported and elevated. If recommended by the physician, the arm should be kept in a sling for further immobilization.

Common problems after a wrist injury include finger or wrist stiffness, wrist pain or even loss of grip strength. Recovery times vary, but a typical recovery time is six to 12 months after removal of the splint. After the splint is removed, low-impact exercises might be recommended by the treating physician in order to regain flexibility and strength of the fractured wrist.

Discussion Comments

Porcupie

I think that's fairly normal. Many of the wrist splints you see people wearing are actually ulnar gutter splints, even if they don't know that's what they're wearing. The main point is to protect your wrist and give it time to rest. Is it one made of gauze and padding? Finished with tape or is it a formed brace?

BronzeEagle

My doctor used this type of splint on my right hand as a carpal tunnel splint. Is this normal? Most people I see with this type of splint wear a wrist brace. I can barely move my wrist at all and it makes it hard to do my job.

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    • Gauze is one item used when applying a ulnar gutter splint.
      By: picsfive
      Gauze is one item used when applying a ulnar gutter splint.
    • Ulnar gutter splint may be needed after a wrist injury.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Ulnar gutter splint may be needed after a wrist injury.
    • Trauma to the wrist may make it difficult to locate the radial pulse.
      By: joshya
      Trauma to the wrist may make it difficult to locate the radial pulse.
    • An arm may be kept in a splint to further immobilize an injury being treated with an ulnar gutter splint.
      By: elsahoffmann
      An arm may be kept in a splint to further immobilize an injury being treated with an ulnar gutter splint.
    • Casting may be necessary after an injury to the wrist to allow the bones to heal properly.
      By: iceteastock
      Casting may be necessary after an injury to the wrist to allow the bones to heal properly.
    • A Colles' fracture may occur as a result of a fall.
      By: Alexander Gospodinov
      A Colles' fracture may occur as a result of a fall.
    • Sports-related injuries may result in a Colles' fracture.
      By: Irina Igumnova
      Sports-related injuries may result in a Colles' fracture.
    • An ulnar gutter splint may be required if a person experiences a bad fall.
      By: Rob Byron
      An ulnar gutter splint may be required if a person experiences a bad fall.
    • Some types of elbow and arm fractures require physical therapy during recovery.
      By: praisaeng
      Some types of elbow and arm fractures require physical therapy during recovery.
    • Elderly people are extremely vulnerable to distal radius fractures.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Elderly people are extremely vulnerable to distal radius fractures.
    • Someone who has experienced dislocations and fractures of the fingers may want to consider an ulnar gutter splint.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Someone who has experienced dislocations and fractures of the fingers may want to consider an ulnar gutter splint.
    • Failing to immobilize a fractured finger may cause improper healing of the bones.
      By: stokkete
      Failing to immobilize a fractured finger may cause improper healing of the bones.