Splinting

Question 1

what are the purposes of splinting?

Answer 1

protective (immobilize)
corrective (existing deformity)
assistive (weak muscles)

Question 2

goal of dynamic splint

Answer 2

encourage early motion
prevents
corrects

Question 3

goal of static progressive splint

Answer 3

increase ROM

Question 4

goal of serial casting

Answer 4

increase ROM

prevent soft tissue shortening

Question 5

how do 3 point pressure splints influence ROM?

Answer 5

immobilization
mobilization
restriction
torque

Question 6

what are circumfrential splints?

Answer 6

multiple opposing, 2-pt pressures

non articular: dont influence jt ROM

Question 7

when are circumfrential splints indicated?

Answer 7

repaired digital pulleys
stable fractures
soft tissue damage from overuse or RSI

Question 8

what is the proper measurement for splints?

Answer 8

1/2 circumference

2/3 length of part

Question 9

what are the rules from splint making?

Answer 9

longer, wider splints
rolled edges on distal and proximal edges
continuous, uniform pressure over bony areas

Question 10

what make up the wrist splint lever system?

Answer 10

wrist = axis 
hand = weight/resistance
forearm = counterforce

Question 11

what are the rotational and translational elements of force in a splint?

Answer 11

they produce joint rotation (good) and joint distraction or compression (bad)

Question 12

what is the force created in a splint?

Answer 12

pull applied by OT via rubber band, elastic, spring

Question 13

why should the force in a splint be perpendicular to the bone being moved?

Answer 13

translational force is lessened and rotational force is full magnitude

Question 14

what happens if the outrigger is moved?

Answer 14

applied force will change

Question 15

what happens if the rubber band isnt at 90 degrees on a splint?

Answer 15

becomes translational force

Question 16

what is torque?

Answer 16

force x length of arm on which it moves
T = F x d
aka effectiveness of force

Question 17

what does amount of torque depend on?

Answer 17

distance btwn jt axis and point of force

as distance increases, torque increases

Question 18

what is a 3 point fixation of a splint?

Answer 18

combined downward weight (forearm, hand) must be opposed by = upward force at the axis (wrist)

Question 19

how do you increase the area of force application?

Answer 19

widen straps which oppose forces

Question 20

what are high profile outriggers?

Answer 20

allows for easier adjustment with stiff jts

gives greater jt stability

Question 21

what are low-profile outriggers?

Answer 21

substitutes for absent motion

used when jts are supple

Question 22

what are mechanical jts?

Answer 22

articulated splint components

must be lined up with actual jts

Question 23

what happens if mechanical jts arent lined up properly?

Answer 23

creates shear or friction of forces

Question 24

why do splints need to be contoured?

Answer 24

if large force is placed on thin flat surface, counter force is insufficient and bends

Question 25

what does friction indicate?

Answer 25

poor fit
improper jt alignment
ineffective fastenings

Question 26

what is the safe position?

Answer 26

wrist: 20-30 degree ext
MCP: 40-60 degree flex
fingers: full extension
thumb: abduction/extension

Question 27

why do we use safe positon?

Answer 27

protect collateral ligaments + eventual mobility