In block splinting terminology, which is an example of a dorsal blocking splint?

• A. Palmar blocking splint
• B. Dorsal blocking splint
• C. Static finger splint
• D. Circumferential splint

Answer: (B)

Block splinting protects a tendon or corrects a deformity by specifically restricting motion at one joint while allowing movement at others. A dorsal blocking splint does this by sitting on the back (dorsal aspect) of the finger and creating a block at the PIP joint to prevent it from flexing, while the MCP is held in a position that reduces tendon tension and the DIP remains free to move. This setup is used in conditions like boutonniere deformity, where preventing PIP flexion promotes healing of the extensor mechanism and allows controlled motion to gradually restore function.

The other options don’t provide this targeted PIP-blocking effect: a palmar blocking splint would block motion from the palm side at a different joint, a static finger splint simply immobilizes without a joint-specific block, and a circumferential splint encases the finger to immobilize multiple joints. So the dorsal blocking splint is the correct example.