Sugar Tong Wrist Splint Kit — Colles' & Distal Radius Fracture Treatment
The professional-grade sugar tong splint used by emergency departments and orthopedic clinics for distal radius and Colles' fractures. If you've been searching for a plaster sugar tong splint, plaster forearm splint, or Colles' fracture plaster splint — this is the upgraded fiberglass version that clinicians now use instead. The sugar tong design wraps around the elbow to prevent forearm rotation — critical for distal radius and Colles' fractures. Lighter weight. Faster setting. More durable than plaster.
This complete professional-grade kit includes pre-padded synthetic fiberglass splint material, self-adhesive bandages, and synthetic padding for quick, effective forearm immobilization — with no additional materials needed. Sets in just 5–7 minutes.
Medical Uses & Indications
- Colles' Fractures — Distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement
- Distal Radius Fractures — Requiring forearm rotation control
- Smith's Fractures — Distal radius fractures with volar displacement
- Forearm Fractures — Radius and ulna fractures requiring rotation control
- Post-operative Immobilization — After wrist or forearm surgery
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
- Sugar Tong Design: Wraps around the elbow to prevent forearm pronation/supination — essential for Colles' fracture stability
- Reverse Sugar Tong Option: Alternative application technique for different fracture patterns
- Complete Kit: Includes splint, self-adhesive bandages, 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 Sugar Tong Splint?
A sugar tong splint — named for its resemblance to kitchen sugar tongs — is a fiberglass slab that runs along the dorsal (back) side of the forearm, wraps around the elbow, and returns along the volar (palm) side. This U-shaped design prevents forearm pronation and supination (rotation), which is critical for maintaining fracture alignment in Colles' fractures and other distal radius injuries.
The reverse sugar tong is an alternative configuration used when the fracture pattern or patient anatomy requires a different approach. Both techniques are included in this kit. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen 13–16 | 3" × 35" | 2 Rolls 3" | 2 Rolls 2" |
| Female Adult | 3" × 35" | 2 Rolls 3" | 2 Rolls 2" |
| Male Adult (16+) | 4" × 30" | 2 Rolls 4" | 2 Rolls 3" |
* Trim the splint to the correct length for the individual patient. The sugar tong must run from the dorsal forearm, around the elbow, and back along the volar forearm.
How to Apply a Sugar Tong Splint
Why Buy Direct Instead of at Your Doctor's Office?
Purchasing your sugar tong 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 — Sugar Tong Splint & Colles' Fracture
What is a sugar tong splint and why is it used for Colles' fractures?
A sugar tong splint is a U-shaped fiberglass slab that runs along the back of the forearm, wraps around the elbow, and returns along the palm side. This design prevents forearm rotation (pronation and supination), which is critical for maintaining fracture alignment in Colles' fractures and other distal radius injuries. It is the standard of care for acute distal radius fractures in the emergency setting, providing superior rotational control compared to a simple volar splint.
What is a Colles' fracture and how long does it take to heal?
A Colles' fracture is a distal radius fracture with dorsal (backward) displacement of the wrist fragment, typically caused by a fall on an outstretched hand. It is one of the most common fractures in adults, particularly in older women with osteoporosis. Non-displaced or minimally displaced Colles' fractures are typically treated with a sugar tong splint for 1–2 weeks, then transitioned to a short arm cast for 4–6 weeks. Displaced fractures may require closed reduction before splinting, or surgical fixation. Full recovery typically takes 3–6 months.
What is the difference between a sugar tong and a reverse sugar tong splint?
A standard sugar tong splint runs from the dorsal forearm, around the elbow, to the volar forearm — preventing pronation and supination while allowing some elbow flexion. A reverse sugar tong runs from the medial upper arm, around the elbow, to the lateral upper arm — used when elbow immobilization is also required, such as for combined forearm and elbow injuries. Both techniques are included in this kit with video tutorials for each.
Is fiberglass better than plaster for a sugar tong splint?
Yes — fiberglass is now the clinical standard over plaster for sugar tong splints. Fiberglass is significantly lighter, sets faster (5–7 minutes vs. 24–72 hours for plaster), is more durable and water-resistant, and is radiolucent for X-ray compatibility without removal. Plaster is still used in some settings but fiberglass has largely replaced it in modern emergency and orthopedic care.
How long do I need to wear a sugar tong splint after a distal radius fracture?
The sugar tong splint is typically worn for 1–2 weeks in the acute phase while swelling subsides, then replaced with a short arm cast or removable brace for an additional 4–6 weeks. Total immobilization time for distal radius fractures is typically 6–8 weeks, followed by physical therapy for range of motion and strength recovery. Always follow your orthopedic surgeon's specific protocol.
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 |
| Volar/Dorsal Wrist Short Arm Splint Kit | Short arm immobilization |
| Long Arm Splint Kit | Elbow fractures & dislocations |
| Ulnar Gutter Splint Kit | Boxer fractures (4th/5th metacarpal) |
| Thumb Spica Splint Kit | Thumb fractures & sprains |
| 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 and forearm injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious fractures or neurovascular complications. FSA/HSA eligible — check with your plan administrator. HCPCS: A4570.