Orthoplast Thumb Spica
Sometimes if an injury in the wrist occurs and there are not any splinters immediately available. In cases like these, if some Orthoplast splint material is available, then it can be used to create a make-shift Orthoplast thumb spica. It can actually provide better stability than normal taping of the injury. Using Orthoplast material is safer and better than using tape or wood if available. This article will explain how Orthoplast material can be used to create a thumb spica and how it is better to use it than ordinary materials. There are times in the real world where you do not have a splinter immediately ready for a wound. In a sports game, for example, all the available splinters could already be in use by other players. In that case, it would be best to find something else to use as a make-shift splinter such as the Orthoplast material. Orthoplast material is a strong material that can conform to anatomical detail and self bonds when heated. They are usually rubber-based and can be molded to fit a hand and wrist after it is heated. Once it has cooled down then it is best to leave it alone until the person is given a proper thumb spica or cast if needed.
Orthoplast material is safer and stronger than ordinary tape or wood and is preferable to use if available. The material provides better padding and acts as a protector for the affected hand and wrist. The sports medicine company DonJoy usually has Orthoplast ready for emergencies when needed.
Creating a make-shift Orthoplast thumb spica is not difficult. The first thing to do is heat up the Orthoplast and cut it to fit the person's hand and wrist. Then place it over the thumb and secure it with some form of wrapping. Once it has cooled down, take the Orthoplast off and trim it down to get rid of any sharp edges. It is also helpful to cover the underside with some form of soft material to provide some comfort. After it has been trimmed and some material has been put on it, put the spica back on the person's thumb and secure it with some tape or even Velcro.
Having the knowledge to create a make-shift thumb spica can be very helpful in cases of emergency thumb or wrist injuries. Orthoplast is one of the best materials available for creating these spicas. Almost all sports teams have some form of Orthoplast available for these injuries. If you can get some Orthoplast over tape or wood, then go for it, it will help heal the injury more safely than wood or tape.