Splinting Flashcards
Give 4 indications for using a splint
fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains
Name 4 materials splints are made of
aluminum, pre-formed, fiberglass, plaster
What are the indications, advantages/disadvantages to aluminum splints?
indx: fingers
adv: light weight, malleable, padding
disadv: difficult for pts to reapply, padding wears down
What are the indications, advantages/disadvantages to pre-formed splints?
indx: upper/lower extremities
adv: easy and quick
disadv: not adjustable, poor fit
What are the indications, advantages/disadvantages to plaster splints?
indx: upper/lower E, TEMPORARY stability
adv: cheap, molds, allows for swelling
disadv: heavy, takes longer, not resilient
What are the indications, advantages/disadvantages to fiberglass splints?
indx: U/L E for TEMPORARY stability
adv: light, molds easy, water resilient, sets fast
disadv: expensive
Describe the process of doing a plaster splint.
make 10 strips of webril and 10 strips of plaster of appropriate length. Layer it with 5W, 10P, 5W. Dunk the whole thing in warm water (exothermic rx will give off more heat).
Describe the process of doing a fiberglass splint.
Dunk fiberglass in cool water (exothermic reaction will give off TONS of heat!). Mold to patient with padded side down.
What direction do you wrap splints?
distal to proximal
Name 10 specific kinds of pre-formed splints.
1) dorsal distal phalynx splint
2) dorsal & volar finger splint
3) buddy taping
4) cock-up wrist splint
5) clavicle strap
6) sling
7) shoulder immobilier
8) knee immobilizer
9) ankle stirrup splint
10) post-op shoe
Describe the indications and positioning of the Dorsal Distal Phalynx Splint.
Indications: DEFINITIVE tx for Mallet finger (rupture of extensors tendon at DIP joint).
Position: Put splint over DIP joint, with finger in slight extension. (If finger is flexed, it will become permanent deformity).
Describe the indications and positioning of the Dorsal and Volar Finger Splints.
Indications: DEFINITIVE tx for 2,3,4,5th digit collateral ligament sprains or phalynx fractures.
Position: Put on dorsal OR volar surface, covering the DIP,PIP & MCP joints. MCP joint should be in 50 degrees of flexion. DIP/PIP joints should be in 15 degrees of flexion.
Describe the indications and positioning of Buddy Taping-Dynamic Digit Splints.
Indications: DEFINITIVE tx of DIP/PIP sprains of any toe, or fingers 2-5. fractures of toes 2-5.
Position: just tape injured and adjacent digit together with padding in between.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Cock-up/Velcro wrist splint.
Indications: sprains/ tendonitis of wrist
Position: wrist in slight extension
Describe the indications and positioning of the Clavicular/Figure 8 Splint.
Indications: displaced clavicle fractures, anterior clavicle dislocation.
Position: straps under armpits, pull shoulders back and clavicle straight.
Describe the indications and positioning of a Sling.
Indications: DEFINTIIVE tx of non-displaced fractures of…1) radial head, 2) proximal humerus, 3) clavicle. AND AC separation, elbow sprain.
Position: Flex elbow at 90 degrees and hand should be pointing up.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Shoulder Immobilizer.
Indications: Shoulder dislocations, humeral fractures, AC separations.
Position: Elbow flexed 90, hand up, extra band wraps around torso preventing ab/adduction.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Knee immobilizer.
Indications: tibial plateau fx, patella fx/displacement, meniscus/lig/tendon injuries.
Position: goes from mid-thigh to mid-shin and keeps leg in slight extension.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Ankle Stirrup Splint “Aircast”.
Indications: ankle sprain, minor non-displaced fibula head fractures.
Position: sugar tong position on medial and lateral ankle prevents inversion/eversion.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Post Op Shoe.
Indications: foot sprains, toe fractures.
Position: flat soled shoe supports weight.
Name 7 custom made splints.
1) Thumb spica splint
2) ulnar gutter splint
3) volar splint
4) long arm posterior splint
5) UE sugar tong splint
6) LE posterior splint
7) LE sugar tong splint
Describe the indications and positioning of the Thumb Spica Splint
Indications: Thumb fracture/sprain, gamekeepr’s thumb (ulnar collateral ligament injury), scaphoid fracture
Position: Splint covers DIP joint (leaving fingertip exposed) and goes halfway up forearm. Thumb is in slight extension.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Ulnar Gutter Splint.
Indications: 4th/5th metacarpal fractures (boxers fracture).
Position: Split covers DIP joint all the way up forearm (does not pass elbow).
DIP/PIP joints in 15-20 flexion.
MCP joint in 50-90 flexion.
Wrist in 30 degrees extension.
Describe the indications and positioning of the Volar Splint.
Indications:
Position:
Describe the indications and positioning of the
Indications:
Position:
