Hand: Splinting Flashcards
splinting materials
- thermoplastic
- thermoset
Thermoplastic has some flexibility and also has:
drapability
Drapability allows thermoplastic to
mold to the person
Thermoplastic requires high temperature, so be careful to:
- pay attn to pt’s skin
- make sure it’s not too hot or put them in a stockinette to reduce temp
What are the main reasons to splint someone?
- immobilize
- mobilize
- restrict
- protection
Why immobilize?
- waiting for bone, tendon to heal
- post-surgery
What splint is used for mobilizing?
tenodesis splint
What can be done to help with mobilization
can add things to a splint
Restriction of movement takes these into account
creases of the hand
A splint on the dorsum that goes past MCP will restrict _____ and allow______
- restricts MCP extension
- allows DIP and PIP extension
Motion is restricted based on this
what needs to be protected
splints for protection
somewhat immobilizing and restricting, but mostly just to protect
examples of protection splints
- swan neck splints
- roller blade splints
What are the 7 cardinal rules of splints?
- force
- surface
- how long will they wear it?
- involved structures
- leverage
- pt goals
- do no harm
How to check if appropriate force is being applied on a splint
- capillary refill
- red spots
- N/T, pain
Surface components of splints
- volar
- dorsal
- occasionally will have splints with an ulnar or radial component
Consider how long a pt will wear the splint
- night?
- functional splint for work?
- all day for immobilization?
splinting: involved structures
any combo of these
- wrist
- hand
- palm
- fingers
splints and leverage
- force decreases with longer lever arm
- thermoplastic is typically strong enough to handle wrist forces
considering pt’s goals with splinting
don’t have to meet all, but try to meet them as much as possible
