Casting and Splinting

Question 1

3 most important things when splinting/ casting

Answer 1

immobilize the joint above and below
ensure patient has full distal vascular, motor, sensory function prior and immediately following immobilization
ensure there are no open wounds, puncture, deep abrasions

Question 2

in diabetics and elderly what do you need to do before casting

Answer 2

apply plenty of cast padding overlying bony prominences

Question 3

should you wrap the material tightly?

Answer 3

NO!

Question 4

what should you use to mold the cast?

Answer 4

palm of hand to not make a divet

Question 5

what to tell people to do if they itch w/ a cast

Answer 5

ice over the cast in a bag or benadryl

Question 6

can patients stick foreign bodies in the cast

Answer 6

No, can tear the skin

Question 7

what must you educate patients about regarding casting

Answer 7

compartment syndrome

Question 8

how long can splints be one for?

Answer 8

48-72 hours

Question 9

is it okay to cast immediately?

Answer 9

yes, depending on injury

Question 10

what is a jones dressing

Answer 10

soft cotton on then overwarp that (to allow for swelling)

Question 11

what is a sugar tong splint used for?

Answer 11

radius/ ulna fracture

“U” pattern goes up to elbow

Question 12

what is a ulna gutter used for?

Answer 12

5th Metacarpal Fractures
Some 4th Metacarpal Fractures
Some use with Ulnar Styloid Fractures

Question 13

what is a radial gutter splint used for? (thumb spica)

Answer 13

Scaphoid (long arm)

Thumb Fractures / Injuries

Question 14

what do you use a short arm splint for?

Answer 14

Post-op for Distal Radius ORIF
2nd, 3rd, and sometimes 4th Metacarpal Fx.
Some ulnar styloid fractures

Question 15

what is a posterior elbow splint used for

Answer 15

Elbow Fx / Injury
Distal Humerus Fx.
starts on ulna side them up side

Question 16

what is a sugar tong leg splint used for?

Answer 16

Ankle Fx: Medial and Lateral Malleolus
Severe Ankle Sprains
“u shape around leg”

Question 17

what is a posterior leg splint used for

Answer 17

Fractures from Toes to Knee
When selecting length remember to immobilize the joint above!
can combine w/ sugar tong in severe

Question 18

what is a three-sided splint?

Answer 18

Combination of Posterior and “U”
Used commonly for unstable ankle fractures and or dislocations.
Used post-operatively.
PAD THE HEEL!!!!!!!

Question 19

when are knee immobilizers good?

Answer 19

patella fracture

post-op

Question 20

what are the problems w/ knee immobilizers

Answer 20

increased OA risk w/ chronic ROS loss

Question 21

when do you use a short arm cast

Answer 21

Carpal/Metacarpal Fractures (except Scaphoid and 1st MC)
Ulna Fractures
Some Distal Radius Fractures

Question 22

what’s a muenster cast used for?

Answer 22

Distal Radius Fractures

Any Time you want to control Pronation / Supination

wraps slightly around elbow

Question 23

what is a thumba spica cast used for?

Answer 23

Scaphoid, 1st MC, Thumb, Gamekeeper’s Thumb

Question 24

what is a long arm cast?

Answer 24

Both bone forearm fractures
distal radius
some carpal fracture (scaphoid)
(brinds thumb, wrist, elbow)

Question 25

what is a short leg cast used for

Answer 25

ankle
distal tibia or fibula
tarsal/ metatarsal fracture
can be made WB w/ cast shoe

Question 26

what is a long leg cast used for?

Answer 26

Tibia / Fibula / Both
? Patella
Severe Collateral Ligament Injuries (Cylinder Style)- just above ankle and up

Question 27

what can you do to a toddler’s cast to make it better?

Answer 27

cast it at 20-30 degrees so they can’t walk on it