Casting and Splinting Flashcards
3 most important things when splinting/ casting
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
in diabetics and elderly what do you need to do before casting
apply plenty of cast padding overlying bony prominences
should you wrap the material tightly?
NO!
what should you use to mold the cast?
palm of hand to not make a divet
what to tell people to do if they itch w/ a cast
ice over the cast in a bag or benadryl
can patients stick foreign bodies in the cast
No, can tear the skin
what must you educate patients about regarding casting
compartment syndrome
how long can splints be one for?
48-72 hours
is it okay to cast immediately?
yes, depending on injury
what is a jones dressing
soft cotton on then overwarp that (to allow for swelling)
what is a sugar tong splint used for?
radius/ ulna fracture
“U” pattern goes up to elbow
what is a ulna gutter used for?
5th Metacarpal Fractures
Some 4th Metacarpal Fractures
Some use with Ulnar Styloid Fractures
what is a radial gutter splint used for? (thumb spica)
Scaphoid (long arm)
Thumb Fractures / Injuries
what do you use a short arm splint for?
Post-op for Distal Radius ORIF
2nd, 3rd, and sometimes 4th Metacarpal Fx.
Some ulnar styloid fractures
what is a posterior elbow splint used for
Elbow Fx / Injury
Distal Humerus Fx.
starts on ulna side them up side
what is a sugar tong leg splint used for?
Ankle Fx: Medial and Lateral Malleolus
Severe Ankle Sprains
“u shape around leg”
what is a posterior leg splint used for
Fractures from Toes to Knee
When selecting length remember to immobilize the joint above!
can combine w/ sugar tong in severe
what is a three-sided splint?
Combination of Posterior and “U”
Used commonly for unstable ankle fractures and or dislocations.
Used post-operatively.
PAD THE HEEL!!!!!!!
when are knee immobilizers good?
patella fracture
post-op
what are the problems w/ knee immobilizers
increased OA risk w/ chronic ROS loss
when do you use a short arm cast
Carpal/Metacarpal Fractures (except Scaphoid and 1st MC)
Ulna Fractures
Some Distal Radius Fractures
what’s a muenster cast used for?
Distal Radius Fractures
Any Time you want to control Pronation / Supination
wraps slightly around elbow
what is a thumba spica cast used for?
Scaphoid, 1st MC, Thumb, Gamekeeper’s Thumb
what is a long arm cast?
Both bone forearm fractures
distal radius
some carpal fracture (scaphoid)
(brinds thumb, wrist, elbow)
what is a short leg cast used for
ankle
distal tibia or fibula
tarsal/ metatarsal fracture
can be made WB w/ cast shoe
what is a long leg cast used for?
Tibia / Fibula / Both
? Patella
Severe Collateral Ligament Injuries (Cylinder Style)- just above ankle and up
what can you do to a toddler’s cast to make it better?
cast it at 20-30 degrees so they can’t walk on it
