What type of splint is recommended for a gamekeeper's thumb injury?

A gamekeeper's thumb injury typically involves an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb. The recommended treatment for this type of injury is a thumb spica splint.

This splint immobilizes the thumb and stabilizes the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, which is crucial for proper healing of the ligament. By keeping the thumb in a fixed position, the thumb spica splint prevents any movement that could exacerbate the injury or hinder recovery. It allows for the necessary protection and support while still enabling some function of the fingers.

In contrast, a wrist brace would not provide adequate support for the thumb specifically, while a finger wrap might not offer sufficient immobilization for the joint involved in this injury. A full arm cast is unnecessary and overly restrictive for this specific condition. Thus, the thumb spica splint is the most appropriate choice for addressing a gamekeeper's thumb injury.