Indications Nonrotated, nonangulated fractures of the phalanges, not involving greater than 10% of the joint line Immobilization after laceration or tendon repair Sprains of the phalangeal ligaments Note: Mallet and boutonniere fingers require an alternative splinting method Equipment Commercially available foam splints with aluminum backing ½- and 1-in adhesive tape Procedure A dorsal splint is preferred to a volar splint because tactile sensation is maintained, it is more comfortable for the patient, and it is more protective of the injury as the splint lies between the patient and outside surfaces during ambulation The splint extends from the dorsum of the wrist to the end of the finger ( Fig 130.49I ) The appropriate width will be equal to the diameter of the finger Cut the splint to the proper length and place tape on the sharp edges Tape the splint with 1-in tape to the dorsum of the hand and wrist Bend the splint to obtain 50 to 90 degrees of flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 15 to 20 degrees of flexion at the interphalangeal joints Secure the splint of the finger with ½-in tape, making sure not to cover the joint lines REDUCTION OF NURSEMAID’S ELBOW Indications Radial head subluxation (nursemaid’s elbow), which is an injury that probably represents interposition of the annular ligament between the radial head and the capitellum ( Fig 130.50A )