Volar/Dorsal Wrist Splint Kit — Short Arm Fiberglass Splint for Wrist Fractures
The professional-grade volar/dorsal wrist splint used by emergency departments and orthopedic clinics for maximum wrist immobilization. If you've been searching for a plaster wrist splint, plaster short arm splint, or dorsal plaster splint — this is the upgraded fiberglass version that clinicians now use instead. The dual volar and dorsal design provides 360° wrist immobilization — superior to a single-sided splint. 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 wrist immobilization — with no additional materials needed. Sets in just 5–7 minutes.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Displaced Distal Radius Fractures — Requiring maximum immobilization beyond a single volar splint
- Carpal Fractures — Scaphoid and other carpal bone fractures
- Severe Wrist Sprains — Complete ligament injuries requiring full immobilization
- Post-operative Immobilization — After wrist surgery or procedures
- Short Arm Immobilization — Below-elbow injuries requiring extended circumferential support
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
- Dual Volar/Dorsal Design: Both palm-side and back-of-hand slabs for 360° circumferential support
- Superior Immobilization: Prevents flexion, extension, and rotational movement simultaneously
- 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 a Volar/Dorsal Wrist Splint?
A volar/dorsal wrist splint uses two fiberglass slabs applied simultaneously — one on the palm side (volar) and one on the back of the hand (dorsal) — to create 360° circumferential wrist immobilization. This dual-sided design prevents flexion, extension, and rotational movement, making it the preferred choice when maximum immobilization is required.
Unlike a single volar splint (which only controls flexion/extension), the volar/dorsal combination also controls pronation and supination, making it ideal for displaced fractures, severe ligament injuries, and post-operative care. 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 6–12 | 3" × 35" | 1 Roll 3" | 1 Roll 2" |
| Teen 13–17 | 4" × 30" | 1 Roll 3" | 1 Roll 3" |
| Adult 18+ | 5" × 30" | 1 Roll 3" | 1 Roll 4" |
* Each kit contains one splint slab used for both the volar and dorsal applications — trim and split as needed per your clinical technique.
How to Apply a Volar/Dorsal Wrist Splint
Why Buy Direct Instead of at Your Doctor's Office?
Purchasing your volar/dorsal wrist 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 — Volar/Dorsal Wrist Splint
What is a volar/dorsal wrist splint and when is it used?
A volar/dorsal wrist splint uses two fiberglass slabs — one on the palm side (volar) and one on the back of the hand (dorsal) — to provide 360° circumferential wrist immobilization. This dual-sided design is used when maximum immobilization is required, such as for displaced distal radius fractures, severe wrist sprains, carpal fractures, and post-operative wrist immobilization where a single-sided splint would be insufficient.
What is the difference between a volar splint and a volar/dorsal splint?
A volar splint uses a single slab on the palm side of the wrist and is appropriate for stable fractures, carpal tunnel, and mild-to-moderate sprains. A volar/dorsal splint adds a second slab on the back of the hand, providing significantly greater rotational and lateral stability. The dual-sided design is preferred for unstable fractures, severe injuries, or when the physician requires maximum immobilization during the acute phase of treatment.
Is fiberglass better than plaster for a volar/dorsal wrist 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 wrist splinting.
What size should I order?
Choose based on the patient's age and forearm size: Child 6–12 (3" × 35" splint, 1 roll 3" bandage, 1 roll 2" pad), Teen 13–17 (4" × 30" splint, 1 roll 3" bandage, 1 roll 3" pad), or Adult 18+ (5" × 30" splint, 1 roll 3" bandage, 1 roll 4" pad). If between sizes, size up for better coverage.
How long do I need to wear a wrist splint after a fracture?
Wearing duration depends on the fracture type and severity. Distal radius fractures typically require 4–6 weeks of immobilization. Scaphoid fractures may require 6–12 weeks due to limited blood supply to the bone. Always follow your orthopedic surgeon's specific protocol — premature removal can result in malunion or delayed healing.
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 |
|---|---|
| Volar Wrist Splint Kit | Wrist fractures & sprains (single-sided) |
| Sugar Tong / Reverse Sugar Tong Wrist Kit | Distal radius & Colles' fractures |
| Ulnar Gutter Splint Kit | Boxer fractures (4th/5th metacarpal) |
| Thumb Spica Splint Kit | Thumb fractures, scaphoid & gamekeeper's thumb |
| 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. Wrist injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious fractures or ligament damage. FSA/HSA eligible — check with your plan administrator. HCPCS: A4570.