What is the benefit of immobilizing the hand in the intrinsic plus position?

• A. It allows longer immobilization with less stiffness
• B. It reduces swelling
• C. It increases stiffness
• D. It causes more ROM

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the intrinsic plus position helps prevent joint contractures during immobilization. In this position the MCP joints are held in flexion while the IP joints are extended, which places the soft tissues around the MCP joints in a favorable length and alignment. This setup keeps the collateral ligaments and volar plates from shortening and helps balance the tension between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. As a result, the hand can be immobilized for a longer period without developing as much stiffness, preserving more normal tissue length and a quicker return of motion when healing progresses. It doesn’t directly reduce swelling, and it isn’t about increasing ROM or causing more stiffness; its benefit is in minimizing contracture risk during immobilization.