EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace with BOA — Ulnar Gutter Cast Splint
The EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace with BOA is a thermoformable ulnar gutter fracture brace designed to stabilize the fourth and fifth metacarpals, fourth and fifth digits, and wrist joint. It may be prescribed for fractures involving the head or neck of the fourth or fifth metacarpal, commonly referred to as a boxer's fracture.
The brace is heat-molded to the patient's hand and forearm by a qualified healthcare professional. Its BOA® Fit System provides controlled, micro-adjustable tension, while the reformable EXOS material allows the fit to be reassessed as swelling changes.
Important: This is a left- or right-specific medical fracture brace. Select the injured hand and measure the hand circumference before ordering. Professional fitting and heat molding are required.
Key Features and Benefits
- Ulnar gutter fracture-brace design: Stabilizes the fourth and fifth metacarpals, fourth and fifth digits, and wrist.
- Thermoformable and reformable: Allows a qualified healthcare professional to mold and readjust the brace.
- BOA® Fit System: Provides dial-controlled, micro-adjustable tension.
- Dorsal secure tab: Helps stabilize the overlapping upper portion of the brace.
- Adjustable finger and web-space straps: Can be positioned on the brace surface for stability and comfort.
- Trimmable finger section: May be modified only as directed by the treating physician.
- Waterproof brace material: Supports brace and skin hygiene when water exposure is permitted by the treating clinician.
- Radiolucent material: May facilitate imaging according to the facility's clinical protocol.
- Latex information: Not made with natural rubber latex.
Indications
- Stabilization of the fourth and fifth metacarpals
- Stabilization of the fourth and fifth digits
- Stabilization of the wrist joint
- Fourth- or fifth-metacarpal head or neck fractures when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional
- Injuries requiring ulnar gutter immobilization under medical direction
Overview Video
Sizing and Fit
Measure before ordering. Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest portion of the hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Keep the tape flat without tightly compressing the hand.
- Identify the widest area around the knuckles.
- Keep the thumb outside the measurement.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the hand so it lies flat.
- Record the circumference in inches or centimeters.
- Compare the measurement with the sizing chart below.
- Select the left or right configuration corresponding to the injured hand.
If the measurement falls directly between sizes, or the hand is particularly broad or swollen, the larger size may provide more fitting room. Final sizing and molding should be confirmed by the fitting healthcare professional.
| Size | Hand Circumference | Brace Length |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 7.25 inches to under 8 inches 18.4 cm to under 20.3 cm |
10 inches 25.4 cm |
| Small | 8 inches to under 9 inches 20.3 cm to under 22.9 cm |
11 inches 27.9 cm |
| Medium | 9 inches to under 10 inches 22.9 cm to under 25.4 cm |
12.25 inches 31.1 cm |
| Large | 10 inches to under 11 inches 25.4 cm to under 27.9 cm |
13.75 inches 34.9 cm |
| XL | 11 inches and larger 27.9 cm and larger |
14.5 inches 36.8 cm |
Side selection: This brace is not universal. Order the left brace for the left hand or the right brace for the right hand.
Professional fitting required: The manufacturer instructs that the brace be sized, heated, molded, and adjusted by a qualified healthcare professional. Incorrect sizing or excessive tension may cause pressure, shear, discomfort, or skin problems.
Operating the BOA® Fit System
To loosen the brace:
- Lift the BOA® dial.
- Pull the release tab to loosen the lacing system.
To close and adjust the brace:
- Push the BOA® dial down into the locked position.
- Turn the dial clockwise to gradually increase tension.
- Do not overtighten the brace.
The treating healthcare professional should explain whether the patient may loosen, remove, or readjust the brace during treatment.
Heating and Professional Application
EXOS is not a conventional pre-shaped ready-to-wear brace. The thermoformable shell is designed to be heated first and then molded around the patient's anatomy. Do not judge the fit before heating.
Once an EXOS brace has been heated, molded, worn, or altered, it is no longer eligible for return. If you are unsure about what you received, contact us before heating.
The EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace must be heated until pliable and molded to the patient's extremity by a qualified healthcare professional.
| Requirement | Manufacturer Instruction |
|---|---|
| Proper Heating Temperature | 200°F / 93°C |
| Maximum Temperature | Do not heat above 212°F / 100°C |
| Heating Time | Approximately five minutes in an EXOS oven, or until the brace is pliable |
| Application | Confirm the brace is comfortable to handle and the patient's skin is completely dry before application |
| Initial BOA Tension | Remove lace slack, but do not fully tighten until the brace has returned to room temperature |
| Critical Warning | Do not heat the brace while it is on the patient's body |
Do not attempt unsupervised home molding. OrthoTape does not recommend using a household oven, microwave, industrial heat gun, or hair dryer to perform the primary heat molding of this medical fracture brace.
Alternative Home Heating Method — Controlled Water Bath
For users who do not have access to an EXOS oven, OrthoTape has developed a controlled hot-water bath alternative. This is not an Enovis-published protocol and is performed at the user's own risk. Suggested water temperature: 160°F–170°F (71°C–77°C); do not exceed 180°F (82°C).
→ Read the full step-by-step water bath heating guide
General EXOS reference image: The image below depicts a different EXOS upper-extremity brace configuration and is retained as a general heating and application reference. Follow the Boxer's Fracture Brace-specific instructions supplied with the product.
Water Use, Cleaning, and Drying
EXOS brace material is waterproof, but the brace and skin must not remain wet. Swimming, bathing, brace removal, or loosening should occur only when permitted by the treating healthcare professional.
- Loosen or remove the brace only as directed by the clinician.
- Wash the inside and outside of the brace and the exposed skin with soap and water.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Use a hair dryer on a high-volume, cool-air setting to completely dry the brace interior and skin.
- Reapply and retighten the brace without overtightening.
Do not expose the brace to moisturizers, chemicals, or solvents. During routine wear and care, do not expose the brace to temperatures above 130°F / 55°C.
Additional Videos and Resources
Warnings and Precautions
- The brace should be fitted by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Do not heat the brace while it is on the patient.
- Confirm the brace is not too hot before application.
- Use the correct size to provide appropriate support and function.
- Use caution with fragile, delicate, or compromised skin.
- Do not overtighten the brace.
- Contact the treating clinician for unusual swelling, increasing discomfort, pain, numbness, discoloration, skin irritation, cracking, or brace damage.
- Patients with known allergies to foams, adhesives, or plastic products should consult their clinician before use.
Important Purchase and Fitting Statement
This medical fracture brace is intended for use under the direction of a qualified orthopedic or medical provider. The purchaser and end user must follow the manufacturer's instructions and the treating provider's prescribed wear, adjustment, water-use, and removal directions. OrthoTape supplies the product but does not determine diagnosis, suitability, fracture stability, or treatment protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace stabilize?
The brace provides stabilization to the fourth and fifth metacarpals, fourth and fifth digits, and wrist joint. It may be prescribed for fractures involving the head or neck of the fourth or fifth metacarpal.
How do I choose the correct EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace size?
Measure the circumference around the widest portion of the hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, and compare the measurement with the sizing chart. Also select the left or right configuration corresponding to the injured hand. Final fit should be confirmed by the fitting healthcare professional.
Does left or right matter when ordering this brace?
Yes. The EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace is side-specific. Select the left brace for the left hand or the right brace for the right hand.
Does the EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace need to be heated?
Yes. The brace is thermoformable and must be properly heated and molded by a qualified healthcare professional. The manufacturer specifies 200°F, or 93°C, for approximately five minutes in an EXOS oven or until the brace is pliable.
Can I heat the EXOS brace at home without an EXOS oven?
Yes. OrthoTape has developed a controlled hot-water bath alternative for users who do not have access to an EXOS dry-heat oven. The suggested water temperature range is 160°F–170°F (71°C–77°C) — do not exceed 180°F (82°C). This is not an Enovis-published or Enovis-validated water-bath protocol and is performed at the user's own risk. For full step-by-step instructions, equipment list, safety warnings, and photos, see the EXOS Brace Fitting & Heating Guide.
Can the EXOS Boxer's Fracture Brace get wet?
The brace material is waterproof, but swimming, bathing, loosening, or removing the brace should occur only when permitted by the treating healthcare professional. If the brace and skin become wet, both must be dried completely before continued wear.
How does the BOA® Fit System work?
Lift the BOA® dial and pull the release tab to loosen the brace. Push the dial down and turn it clockwise to gradually increase tension. The brace should not be overtightened.
Does insurance cover this? Can I save vs. my doctor's office?
This product is HSA/FSA eligible, so you can use pre-tax dollars to purchase it directly. If you have a high DME deductible (common with many insurance plans), you may actually pay less buying here than at your doctor's office — where the same brace can cost $300–$500 or more. Many clinics also allow you to choose where you purchase your DME items. We recommend checking your plan's DME deductible before purchasing through your provider.
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