Ulnar Gutter Splint Kit — Boxer Fracture & 4th/5th Metacarpal Treatment
The professional-grade ulnar gutter splint used by emergency departments and orthopedic clinics for boxer fractures. If you've been searching for a plaster ulnar gutter splint, plaster boxer fracture splint, or metacarpal plaster splint — this is the upgraded fiberglass version that clinicians now use instead. Same ulnar gutter immobilization for 4th and 5th metacarpal fractures. Lighter weight. Faster setting. More durable than plaster.
This complete professional-grade kit includes pre-padded synthetic fiberglass splint material, self-adhesive bandage, and synthetic padding for quick, effective hand immobilization — with no additional materials needed. Sets in just 5–7 minutes.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Boxer Fractures — 5th metacarpal neck fractures (most common hand fracture)
- 4th Metacarpal Fractures — Ring finger metacarpal injuries
- 5th Metacarpal Fractures — Little finger metacarpal shaft and base fractures
- Ulnar Hand Injuries — Soft tissue injuries on the ulnar side of the hand
- Post-operative Immobilization — After hand surgery or procedures
Key Features
- Pre-Padded Design: Padding already built into splint material — no extra layers needed
- Quick-Setting: Hardens in just 5–7 minutes for fast patient care
- Ulnar Gutter Design: Immobilizes 4th and 5th metacarpals and fingers in the intrinsic plus position
- Thumb & Fingers Free: Thumb, index, and middle fingers remain free for functional use during recovery
- Complete Kit: Includes splint, self-adhesive bandage, and synthetic padding
- Professional Quality: Same materials used by orthopedic specialists and emergency departments
- Radiolucent: Compatible with X-ray imaging without removal
- Color Options: White, Black, and Hot Pink bandage colors available
What Is an Ulnar Gutter Splint?
An ulnar gutter splint is a fiberglass slab applied along the ulnar (little finger) side of the hand and forearm, immobilizing the 4th and 5th metacarpals and their corresponding fingers in the intrinsic plus position — MCP joints flexed 70–90°, IP joints extended. This position maintains proper ligament length and prevents the contractures that can result from immobilization in an incorrect position.
The ulnar gutter is the standard of care for boxer fractures and 4th/5th metacarpal injuries. Historically made from plaster of Paris, modern clinical practice has shifted to fiberglass — which sets faster, weighs significantly less, and is far more durable.
Kit Contents by Size
| Size | Splint Dimensions* | Self-Adhesive Bandage | Synthetic Padding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child–15 | 3" × 12" | 1 Roll 3" | 1 Roll 2" |
| 16 to Adult | 4" × 15" | 1 Roll 3" | 1 Roll 3" |
* Trim the splint to the correct length for the individual patient. The ulnar gutter must cover from the proximal forearm to the fingertips of the 4th and 5th fingers.
How to Apply an Ulnar Gutter Splint
Why Buy Direct Instead of at Your Doctor's Office?
Purchasing your ulnar gutter splint kit directly from OrthoTape offers significant advantages over getting it at your doctor's office or emergency room. Emergency room splint applications can cost $300–600 or more when billed through insurance, while our complete kit costs a fraction of that. Our splint materials are the same professional-grade products — if not better — than what your doctor or ER uses, meeting or exceeding all industry standards.
Many medical offices have limited inventory and may only stock basic white bandages, while we offer multiple color options. By ordering from us, you get exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost, with fast shipping directly to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ulnar Gutter Splint & Boxer Fracture
What is a boxer fracture and how is it treated?
A boxer fracture is a fracture of the 5th metacarpal neck — the bone just behind the little finger knuckle — typically caused by punching a hard surface. It is the most common metacarpal fracture. Treatment for non-displaced or minimally displaced boxer fractures typically involves immobilization in an ulnar gutter splint for 3–4 weeks, with the 4th and 5th fingers held in the intrinsic plus position (MCP joints flexed 70–90°, IP joints extended). More significantly displaced fractures may require reduction or surgical fixation before splinting.
What is an ulnar gutter splint and why is it used for boxer fractures?
An ulnar gutter splint is a fiberglass slab applied along the ulnar (little finger) side of the hand and forearm, immobilizing the 4th and 5th metacarpals and their corresponding fingers. It is the standard of care for boxer fractures and 4th/5th metacarpal injuries because it stabilizes the fracture site while allowing the thumb, index, and middle fingers to remain free for functional use during recovery.
How long do I need to wear a splint after a boxer fracture?
Most non-displaced boxer fractures require 3–4 weeks of splint immobilization, followed by buddy taping and gradual return to activity. Displaced fractures that required reduction may need 4–6 weeks. Your orthopedic surgeon or hand specialist will determine the appropriate duration based on fracture alignment and imaging findings. Premature removal of the splint can result in malunion and permanent deformity of the knuckle.
Is fiberglass better than plaster for an ulnar gutter splint?
Yes — fiberglass sets in 5–7 minutes vs. 24–72 hours for plaster, is significantly lighter, more durable, water-resistant, and radiolucent for X-ray compatibility without removal. Fiberglass has largely replaced plaster in modern emergency and orthopedic care for hand and wrist splinting.
What size should I order?
Choose based on patient age and hand size: Child–15 (3" × 12" splint, 1 roll 3" bandage, 1 roll 2" pad) for pediatric and adolescent patients, or 16-to-Adult (4" × 15" splint, 1 roll 3" bandage, 1 roll 3" pad) for adult patients. If between sizes, size up for better coverage along the ulnar border of the hand and forearm.
Explore Other Fiberglass Splint Kits
Looking for a different splint type? OrthoTape offers complete fiberglass splint kits for upper and lower extremities — all with the same pre-padded, ready-to-apply design:
| Splint Kit | Best For |
|---|---|
| Thumb Spica Splint Kit | Thumb fractures, scaphoid & gamekeeper's thumb |
| Volar Wrist Splint Kit | Wrist fractures & sprains |
| Volar/Dorsal Wrist Short Arm Splint Kit | Short arm immobilization |
| Sugar Tong / Reverse Sugar Tong Wrist Kit | Distal radius & Colles' fractures |
| Long Arm Splint Kit | Elbow fractures & dislocations |
| Posterior Ankle Splint Kit | Ankle fractures, sprains & Achilles injuries |
| Posterior Knee Splint Kit | Knee fractures, sprains & post-op care |
| Ankle Stirrup Splint Kit | Lateral ankle stability |
→ View All Fiberglass Splint Kits
OrthoTape is an authorized dealer of all products sold on this site. This product should be applied by a trained medical professional or for educational training. Always consult a doctor before use for proper diagnosis and treatment. Hand injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious fractures or tendon damage. FSA/HSA eligible — check with your plan administrator. HCPCS: A4570.