When fitting a patient with extensive burns for a resting splint, how should the wrist and hand be positioned?

In fitting a patient with extensive burns for a resting splint, the appropriate position for the wrist and hand is critical for promoting healing and preventing contractures. The correct posture involves slight wrist extension along with support for the fingers and positioning of the thumb in partial opposition and abduction.

Slight wrist extension helps to maintain optimal length in the muscles and tendons while also facilitating blood circulation. This position also allows the interphalangeal (IP) joints to be supported in a way that minimizes the risk of contractures, which are common post-burn. The thumb being in partial opposition and abduction is key to ensuring functional use of the hand. This specific positioning allows the patient a better grasp and functional hand use in daily activities while also providing a surface area that encourages healing.

Maintaining the hand in this aligned position facilitates skin grafting and other healing processes while reducing the likelihood of developing tightness in the muscles and tendons that could impair future function. Overall, this positioning protocol is vital for comprehensive burn care and rehabilitation, ensuring optimal recovery while preventing secondary complications.