Which statement best describes the goal of an intrinsic plus splint in burn care?

Which statement best describes the goal of an intrinsic plus splint in burn care?

• A. Protect joints and prevent contractures
• B. Immobilize the entire hand
• C. Promote wrist flexion
• D. Allow unrestricted PROM

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to protect joints and prevent contractures by positioning the hand in a way that minimizes scar shortening and preserves tendon glide during healing. An intrinsic plus splint places the MCP joints in flexion while keeping the PIP and DIP joints extended, and with the thumb in opposition. This posture helps maintain the length of ligaments and the web spaces, reducing the risk of contractures and preserving functional hand alignment as tissues heal. It’s not about immobilizing the entire hand, promoting wrist flexion, or allowing unrestricted PROM—the goal is to stabilize the hand in a safe, functional resting position to prevent deformities.

The main idea is to protect joints and prevent contractures by positioning the hand in a way that minimizes scar shortening and preserves tendon glide during healing. An intrinsic plus splint places the MCP joints in flexion while keeping the PIP and DIP joints extended, and with the thumb in opposition. This posture helps maintain the length of ligaments and the web spaces, reducing the risk of contractures and preserving functional hand alignment as tissues heal. It’s not about immobilizing the entire hand, promoting wrist flexion, or allowing unrestricted PROM—the goal is to stabilize the hand in a safe, functional resting position to prevent deformities.