Casting and Splinting Management for Hand Injuries in the In-Season Contact Sport Athlete

CONTEXT: Upper extremity injuries are extremely common in contact sports such as football, soccer, and lacrosse. The culture of competitive athletics provides an environment where hand injuries are frequently downplayed in an effort to prevent loss of game time. However, studies have shown that many sport-induced hand injuries do not actually require immediate surgical attention and can be safely treated through immobilization so that the athlete may complete the athletic season. In these cases, appropriate casting and splinting measures should be taken to ensure protection of the injured player and the other competitors without causing loss of game time. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Articles published between 1976 and 2015 were reviewed to capture historical and current views on the treatment of hand injuries in the in-season athlete. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. RESULTS: Although traditionally many sports-induced traumatic injuries to the hand held the potential to be season-ending injuries, experience has shown that in-season athletes do not necessarily need to lose game time to receive appropriate treatment. A thorough knowledge of converting everyday splints and casts into game day, sport-approved protective immobilization devices is key to safely allowing athletes with select injuries to play while injured. CONCLUSION: Protective techniques allow for maximum functionality during gameplay while safely and effectively protecting the injury from further trauma while bony healing takes place.