SplintBox Gutter & Spica Splint (GSS) Instructions
1. Open the SplintBox GSS, unfold the plastic liner, remove and set items aside.
2. Fold the plastic liner over the edges of the box in order to create a dipping reservoir for the plaster. Fill the box up with warm water.
3. Wrap the digits or thumb you are attempting to immobilize, as well as the hand, wrist, and forearm with the cotton rolls. For both the gutter and thumb spica splints, the immobilized digits should be completely covered with cotton and should come close to the tips of the digits. You should aim to have >50% overlap or enough padding with the cotton so that the skin is protected from the plaster. Make sure to pad pressure points with extra cotton and avoid wrinkles to prevent potential pressure sores or ulcers.
4. Rip the pre-fabricated plaster slab to desired length and modify if needed.
4a. Ulnar gutter splint: No further manipulation is required as the plaster will sit on the ulnar border of the hand and wrist and is designed to immobilize ulnar sided digits (4th and/or 5th).
4b. Radial gutter splint: Partially tear the plaster longitudinally at one end so that it can bypass the thumb and immobilize the radial digits (2nd and/or 3rd).
4c. Thumb spica splint: Can either leave the plaster unmanipulated or tear longitudinally at one end to create more maneuverability/coverage around the thumb.
5. Submerge the plaster slab in the dipping reservoir. Wring it out and slide between your index and long finger so that the holes are no longer visible in the plaster slab. Place on the ulnar/radial digits or thumb, hand, wrist, and forearm. Make sure the plaster is off skin. Provisionally secure the plaster with cotton rolls.
6. Wrap with the elastic bandage, starting distally and moving proximally. Mold as needed (i.e "intrinsic plus"). Allow the plaster to fully harden.
7. Place solidifier in the dipping reservoir and then pull the plastic liner out, tie-up, and dispose. Break down the dipping reservoir box and recycle.
