Thumb wrist splint and method

Abstract

A thumb wrist splint with a main body portion which includes a plurality of straps for encircling the wrist and securing the same firmly to the wrist with desirable palmar and dorsal stays. A sewn thumb spica/splint is fabricated, and finished by normal binding around the periphery. The thumb strap loop is fixed to the splint and a removable securable anchor is also applied to the spica/splint. The spica/splint is a VOLARA® grade polyolefin closed foam material which is desirably laminated to nylon cloth on one side. The sewn thumb spica is secured to the main body portion. Thereafter, the entire blank, as just described, is positioned over an anvil intended to form a curvilinear pattern to the thus encapsulated VOLARA® so that it will conform to the upper portion of the wrist. Once secured in place on the wrist by means of the straps around the wrist portion, the thumb strap is secured. A web is applied for assistance to convert the entire splint into a sock like configuration into which the wrist and hand are inserted. The method contemplates heat softening the blank and thereafter positioning the same over an Anvil or male mold, and pressure engaging the upper portion with a mating female mold which will cause the VOLARA® to take on the shape of the male/female mold relationship and reshape to a new form.