A 35-year-old patient presents with snuffbox tenderness after a fall. What is the initial treatment?

• A. Short arm cast
• B. Ace wrap
• C. Jones dressing
• D. Thumb spica splint

Answer: (D)

In the case of a patient presenting with snuffbox tenderness after a fall, the initial treatment is a thumb spica splint. This approach is crucial because snuffbox tenderness is often a sign of a wrist injury, particularly a fracture of the scaphoid bone, which is located in the anatomical snuffbox. The thumb spica splint serves to immobilize the thumb and wrist, reducing movement and providing support to the affected area, which is essential for healing and preventing further injury.

Secondary to the immobilization, if a fracture is present, it is vital to provide adequate stabilization to ensure proper alignment during the healing process. The thumb spica design specifically limits motion at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and restricts extension and flexion at the wrist.

While a short arm cast could be appropriate for more definitive treatment later on, it is not the initial treatment of choice right after injury assessment has occurred. Similarly, an ace wrap may provide some support but will not effectively immobilize the thumb and wrist as needed for potential fractures. A Jones dressing is typically not used for injuries of this nature, as it is more relevant to soft tissue injuries or specific fractures in other contexts.

Overall, the use of a