How to Make a Thumb Spica Splint - Creating the Template

The Flex.Physio team guide you through this tutorial on how to make a template for a thumb spica splint, commonly used for a wide range of problems such as pain, arthritis, sprains and fractures
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[@dianachipanaaguilar5061]

Thank you very much for your explanation, greetings from Bolivia. I would like to know under what trade name I can search for this plastic.

[@iandowley8059]

Hi Diana - greetings to Bolivia from Australia! In this video I was using a brand of thermoplastic called 'Orfit' - specifically a 2mm micro-perforated sheet from their 'Orfit Colors' range. I like working with this particular plastic, but there are many options on the market, so don't worry too much if you can't get hold of Orfit in Bolivia. Happy splinting!

[@lisasebros]

Thanks for the explanation! Do you think it’s possible to fit 2 splints on a 45x60 cm sheet?

[@iandowley8059]

Hi Lisa, I can make a thumb spica for an average sized hand from a square of thermoplastic 18x18cm, meaning I would expect to get 6 thumb spicas from a 45x60cm sheet with a few bits left over to make finger splints out of. Happy splinting! - Ian

[@remnant1018]

How do you choose the material thickness and dimensions?

[@iandowley8059]

Hi there, Rem - while you could make a thumb spica from any thickness of plastic, I quite like a 2mm thickness (eg Orfit Colors 2mm microperforated, or equivalent) as it is thick enough to give decent support while not being completely rigid, which helps with comfort. 1.6mm would be fine for many hands, but may not be supportive enough on a large or muscular hand. In terms of dimensions, I can make a thumb spica for an average sized hand from a square of thermoplastic 18x18cm, meaning I would expect to get 6 thumb spicas from a 45x60cm sheet with a few bits left over to make finger splints out of. Happy splinting! - Ian