How do I Place a Cock-up Splint?

A cock-up splint immobilizes the wrist in a "functional position." The functional position of the hand is 20 degrees of wrist extension and 60 degrees of metacarpophalangeal joint flexion, according to Merck. Health-care professionals use a cock-up splint for arthritic hand positioning, reconstructive surgery, spasticity or any condition that requires immobilizing the wrist, according to Orthomerica. The splint, which may be made of plastic, vinyl or canvas, covers the palm, wrist and forearm. Such a splint, with multiple straps spanning the back of the hand, wrist and lower arm, attaches with fabric fasteners.

Things You'll Need

• Cock-up splint

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove one end of all straps on the brace. Leave the other end of each strap attached to the brace.

• 2

  Place one arm and hand into the splint. Press the arm and hand lightly with the other hand so the splint makes total contact with the skin.

• 3

  Cross the free end of the straps back across the hand and arm to attach to the brace using the unsplinted hand.