Stark et al, JAVMA 2025

The study aimed to evaluate the difference in weight bearing and sub-bandage pressures between a toes-in splint (digits enclosed) and a toes-out splint (digits exposed) in dogs.

	Toes IN	Toes OUT
Weight bearing		Dogs bore significantly more weight with the toes-out splint. • Mean peak vertical force: 49.85% body weight for toes-out vs 26.76% for toes-in (P < .001) • Vertical impulse: 13.60% BW for toes-out vs 6.79% for toes-in (P = .003)
Sub-bandage pressures Differences were statistically significant even after adjusting for weight bearing (P < .001).	The toes-in group had more even pressure distribution with relatively higher metacarpal pad pressure.	The toes-out group had higher pressure at the distal toes. It suggests force is transferred through the bones, rather than through the splint, in the toes-out group. This could increase motion at fracture sites, potentially compromising stabilization.

For fractures distal to the elbow, including digital or metacarpal fractures, toes-in splints may provide better stabilization by forcing weight bearing on the splint, not the digits.

Toes-out splints may be useful when enhanced limb use or weight bearing is desired.