Revision 6, splinting and immobilizing Flashcards
Factors to be considered when deciding whether to splint
- Mechanical factors e.g. degree of fracture stability
- Biological factors e.g. healing potential, health status and age
- Clinical factors e.g. pain and discomfort
- Fracture characteristic
- Duration until repair and possible surgical options
- Patient’s overall condition
- Availability of aftercare
- Splint only in case of favorable conditions
Commonly used splints
- Robert-Jones bandage
- Most common used
- Pre- and postoperative use
Pros:
- Minimal risk of vascular damage
- Minimization of swelling
- Enhanced visualization and palpation of anatomic
landmarks during surgery
- Prevention of additional soft tissue damage by sharp bone
fragments
- Elimination of dead space after surgery
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only minimal stability of bone fragments
- Spoon splint
1. Sam splint
2. Plastic
3. Used to immobilize fractured - Distal radius and/or ulna
- Carpus or tarsus
- Metacarpus or metatarsus
4. Usually made of aluminum or plastic - Spica splint
1. Used to immobilize fractures humerus or femur
2. Torso is enveloped - Fiberglass cast
Potential complications of splints
- Distal oedema
- Splint slippage
- Skin damage – maceration
- Delayed surgical site healing
- Nonunion
- Ischemic necrosis
Commonly used slings and indications
Velpeau sling
* Prevents weight-bearing on the forelimb
* Paw pad injuries
* Carpal sling may be more comfortable
* Shoulder luxations
* Muscle/ligament tears, Scapular fracures
Ehmer sling
* Prevents weight-bearing on the hind limb
* Paw pad injuries
* Hip luxation
* Muscle/ligament tear