Which splint is commonly used for Boxer's fracture?

• A. Finger splint
• B. Short arm cast
• C. Thumb spica splint
• D. Ulnar gutter splint

Answer: (D)

Boxer's fracture is a break at the neck of the 5th metacarpal from punching, so the goal is to immobilize the affected metacarpal and the MCP joints of the ring and little fingers to prevent further displacement during healing. An ulnar gutter splint fits along the ulnar side of the hand and immobilizes the 4th and 5th digits, keeping the MCP joints in a protective flexed position. This targeted immobilization stabilizes the fracture site while allowing motion of the other fingers and avoiding unnecessary immobilization of the wrist or thumb. The other splints either don’t stabilize the 4th–5th metacarpals adequately (a finger splint only covers one finger) or immobilize areas not involved in this injury (a short arm cast or a thumb spica splint).