Bandages And Splints Flashcards

1
Q

Functions of a bandage

A

Protection
Absorption of draining material
Compression of soft tissues
Stabilization/external coaptation

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2
Q

External coaptation

A

Splint or cast used as primary stabilization technique for fracture management or support surgical repair, joint instability

Forms: temporary, primary, secondary

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3
Q

Indications for external coaptation as primary fracture repair

A

Incomplete fracture in young animal
Simple fracture with minimal displacement
Ulna or fibula intact
Can stabilize joint above + below fracture
Financial constraint of owner

Below knee or above elbow

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4
Q

Contraindications for external coaptation as primary fracture management

A

Joint fractures
Inability of split to counteract fracture forces
Joint cannot be stabilized above/below fracture

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5
Q

Process for closed fracture reduction

A

Radiographs
Sedation/anesthesia
Limb alignment/fragment apposition
Appropriate bandage/split
Assess reduction by radiograph

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6
Q

Requirements for radiographs of fracture

A

2 orthogonal views
Visualize joint above and below fracture

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7
Q

Purpose of sedation/anesthesia

A

Reduce pain

Keep patient still while splinting

Muscle relaxation to assist manipulation

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8
Q

Alignment

A

Orientation of bone with respect to normal anatomic axis (in all planes)

position of joint above/below fracture

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9
Q

Reduction

A

Act of placing fracture fragments into apposition

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10
Q

Apposition

A

Assessment of how fracture fragments relate to one another (how well fit together)

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11
Q

Fracture reduction + alignment

A

Distract and manipulate fracture ends (90 deg hinge, then slowly straighten to fatigue muscles - working against muscle contraction)

Interdigitate ends

Goal: 100% apposition; 50% in 2 views is acceptable

Contraindications: bone starts to splinter or break

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12
Q

Factors for selecting bandage material

A

Extent of soft tissue damage
Wounds
Type of weight bearing / joint mobility needed
Available materials
Size of patient
Temperament

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13
Q

Bandage layer

A

Contact (primary) layer
Intermediate (secondary) layer - absorb fluid, support, compression
Outer (tertiary) layer - protect from environment, hold in place

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14
Q

Tape stirrups

A

Used to prevent bandage from slipping off

Stick side of tape on dry limb
- medial/lateral or dorsal palmar
- extend 25-50% of bandage
- extra at end to turn up

Not always needed

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15
Q

Application of cast padding / cotton

A

Start distally —> move up
Start with 100% overlap at toes
Overlap each layer by 50% up limb
Not too tight - will tear

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16
Q

Kling gauze layer of bandage

A

Start distally —> move up

Snug, but not too tight

Always placed over appropriate amount of cotton

Holds splint

17
Q

Outer vet wrap/tape

A

Not directly on hair or skin
Should not be needed to keep bandage from slipping
Loosely placed

18
Q

Robert-Jones Bandage

A

Bulky compression bandage
Temporary support
Decrease swelling

19
Q

Modified Robert-Jones bandage

A

Less cast padding, but enough to suppor / prevent rubbing of splint material

Compression bandage

20
Q

Masson metal or plastic splints

A

Use with modified Robert Jones

Indications: digit, metacarpal, metatarsal injuries

“Spoon” under foot —> partial weight bearing

21
Q

Aluminum rod splits

A

Use with modified Robert Jones
Form aluminum rod to shape of leg
Lateral splint or walking bar (weight bearing rod)
Varied thickness

22
Q

Orthoplast splits

A

Plastic-y material; shaped when placed in hot water

Strong
Can cut to size
More expensive than fiberglass
Can be reshaped

Use with modified Robert Jones

23
Q

Full cast

A

Rarely used in vet med

24
Q

Cast materials

A

Fiber glass : light weight, strong, can be used to make splints

25
Q

Cast application

A

Sedation/anesthesia
Stirrups
Primary layer (sometimes stockinet)
Cast padding
Kling gauze
Turn stirrups up
Apply cast (wet material, squeeze out excess water, 50% overlap)

26
Q

Layers of cast material

A

Small dogs - at least 2
Large dogs - at least 4-6

27
Q

Bivalve cast modification

A

Full cast cut in half

Allows for swelling/changes to visualize skin/wounds

Not as strong

28
Q

Half cast/split

A

Use of cast material as a splinting device

Most common use of cast material

29
Q

Spica split

A

Splint to immobilize shoulder / hip joint

Modified Robert Jones encircling torso under split

Split: aluminum rod, orthoplst, casting material

30
Q

Schroeder-Thomas splint

A

Not really used, difficult to keep from moving

Traction splint for minimally displaced fracture

31
Q

Velpeau sling

A

Maintains carpus, elbow, shoulder in flexion

Non-weight bearing

Indications: shoulder luxation / fracture

32
Q

Elmer sling

A

Used for craniodorsal hip luxation
Non-weight bearing
Internally rotates hip + abducts limb

1-2 wk

33
Q

Carpal flexion bandage

A

Used after flexor tendon repair

Relieves tension from flexor tendons, non-weight bearing

Caution: don’t leave too long or permanent contracture

34
Q

Hobbles

A

Used for caudal ventral hip luxation
Prevents abduction
Weight bearing

35
Q

Complications associated with bandaging

A

Pyderma, deep infections
Skin abrasions
Loss of bone density
Loss of ROM
Muscle contracture
Ligament laxity
Loss of cartilage

36
Q

At home instructions

A

Monitor toes
Monitor for slipping
Pain
Avoid becoming wet/soiled

Recheck weekly

E-collar!!!