A resting hand splint is discussed for a 77-year-old client. Which splint characteristics are MOST important in addressing aging skin and adipose tissue?

• A. Use colored splints and no moving parts
• B. Use D rings and mark where straps go
• C. Use soft straps and thick padding
• D. Label the splint with client's name

Answer: (C)

Age-related thinning and fragility of skin, along with reduced subcutaneous fat, make the hand more vulnerable to breakdown from pressure, friction, and shear when a resting hand splint is worn for long periods. The most important splint characteristics address these risks directly: soft straps and thick padding. Soft straps reduce rubbing and shear across delicate skin, while thick padding spreads contact forces over a larger area and cushions pressure points, protecting vulnerable areas like the dorsal hand and finger bases. This combination helps prevent skin irritation and breakdown while keeping the splint functional. Features such as labeling or colored materials don’t address skin integrity and are less relevant to preventing breakdown.