Final answer:
A buddy splint, which involves taping the injured 5th digit to the adjacent one, is the typical method used for soft tissue injuries of the 5th digit, providing support while maintaining some range of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The splint commonly used for soft tissue injuries of the 5th digit (little finger) is known as a buddy splint or buddy taping. This method involves splinting the injured digit to the adjacent finger to provide support and protection during the healing phase. The principle behind buddy splinting is that it allows the uninjured digit to act as a natural, dynamic splint, which is particularly beneficial for injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons, as these tendons play crucial roles in bending the wrist toward the body and abducting the wrist. This technique can assist in maintaining proper alignment and immobilization of the 5th digit while allowing a reasonable range of motion for the hand and the rest of the fingers, thus helping to stabilize the hand during finger flexion, which is facilitated by the muscles of the superficial anterior compartment of the forearm.