Splinting

Question 1

Basic splinting indications

Answer 1

immobilizes injured extremities and prevents further injury, decreases pain and bleeding and allows healing to begin
fractures, dislocations, sprains

Question 2

Splinting contraindications

Answer 2

There are no absolute contraindications to applying a temporary splint to an injured extremity

Question 3

Splinting considerations

Answer 3

Natural swelling after an injury

Question 4

When neuromuscular compromise is present as a result of a fracture or dislocation

Answer 4

splints should not be placed without first attempting immediate reduction

Question 5

Clinicians should be alert for

Answer 5

motor deficits, sensory abnormalities, and decreased or absent pulses

Question 6

An orthopedic specialist should be consulted for fractures requiring urgent surgical evaluation such as

Answer 6

open fractures

Question 7

Basic splinting technique

Answer 7

apply protective layer stockinette
avoid wrinkles
wrap with cotton padding
select a piece of dry plaster that is slightly wider than the limb
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and immerse the plaster material until it is saturated
apply additional layer of cotton padding to hold the splint in place

Question 8

Volar splint

Answer 8

used to immobilize a wrist sprain, a triquetral fracture or lunate dislocation, a second through fifth metacarpal head fracture
forearm in neutral position, wrist at 20 degrees extension, elbow free to move

Question 9

Ulnar Gutter Splint

Answer 9

used to immobilize fractures along the ulnar aspect of the hand, including injuries to the fourth and fifth phalanges and metacarpals
forearm in a neutral position with the wrist at 20 degrees extension and the thumb slightly flexed

Question 10

long-arm splint

Answer 10

immobilize fractures of the proximal forearm and elbow
can also provide temporary stabilization of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus and olecranon
prevents flexion and extension of the elbow and limits supination and pronation of the forearm
place elbow at 90 degree while maintaining neutral position of forearm and wrist

Question 11

sugar-tong splint

Answer 11

used for fractures of the wrist and distal forearm
immobilizes the wrist and forearm and prevents supination and pronation of the forearm
place the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion while maintaining neutral position for the forearm and wrist

Question 12

posterior-leg splint

Answer 12

used to stabilize severe sprains, reduced ankle dislocations and fractures of the distal leg, ankle and foot
90 degree ankle angle maintained.
not designed to bear weight

Question 13

posterior-leg splint with stirrup

Answer 13

adding stirrup increases stability of the splint and prevents inversion and eversion of the ankle

Question 14

commercially available products

Answer 14

may be used for a sprain but do not provide the necessary stability for fractures

Question 15

Splint aftercare

Answer 15

reevaluate the extremity immediately after
look for distal motor and sensory function
palpate pulses, evaluate color, assess cap. refill

Question 16

splinting complications

Answer 16

have the patients return immediately if there are any signs of neurovascular compromise or compartment syndrome (increased swelling, worsening pain, discoloration of the distal extremity, difficulty moving fingers and toes or a change in sensory function)