Which type of splint is designed to immobilize the CMC joint for rest during painful conditions?

The thumb spica splint is specifically designed to immobilize the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb, providing rest and support during conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis or ligament injuries. This type of splint stabilizes the base of the thumb, which is essential for grasp and pinch functions, allowing the surrounding tissues time to heal without strain.

By effectively immobilizing the thumb at the CMC joint, the thumb spica splint minimizes movement that could exacerbate pain, ultimately facilitating recovery. The key design feature of this splint is that it focuses on the thumb while allowing the rest of the hand to remain functional, which is particularly important in maintaining some degree of everyday activity.

In contrast, other types of splints like the wrist cock-up splint primarily provide support to the wrist and do not specifically target the CMC joint. The ulnar gutter splint is designed for immobilizing the ulnar side of the hand, focusing on the ring and little fingers rather than the thumb. The resting hand splint supports the entire hand and wrist in a functional position but does not isolate the CMC joint of the thumb for focused immobilization of painful conditions.