Used to immoblise a thumb due to fracture or ligamental injuries.

A thumb spica can be many things to many people so it always worth checking exactly what the clinician wants, and which joint is affected. It could refer to a cast, a bandage, adhesive tape (such as Elastoplast) dressing or most commonly in our practice a splint. However, most of these involve the layering of strips of material to immobilise the thumb.

Splint application

Elastoplast Dressing Application

This tutorial uses bandage, but the process is the same using adhesive tape. It is kind to the patient to apply some tubular finger bandage over the thumb before the tape, this makes for a more comfortable removal. It is also advisable to pull out the length of tape you will need for each pass at the wrist so not to put undue traction on the thumb.

Ensure the tip of the thumb is exposed, and the thumb well perfused. Demonstrate to the patient the procedure for checking capillary (cap) refill, and the warning signs for restricted circulation.

It is important to give the patient general care advice for the dressing and especially that they don’t get the spica wet.