Splinting & immobilizing Flashcards
Purpose of a splint (4)
- Temporary immobilization
- Treatment of fractures (+/- surgery)
- Prevention of self-mutilation
- Reduction of oedema
To Splint or not to splint?
What types of factors are taken into consideration?
Mechanical factors, Biological & Clinical factors
Considering the above, points can be allotted to a specific fracture-case. High points = splinting is low risk; low points = splinting is high risk and not worth trying.
All factors must be taken into count:
* Fracture characteristics
* Duration until repair and possible surgical options
* Patient’s overall condition
* Availability of appropriate aftercare
* Splint only in case of favorable conditions
Mechanical fracture assessment.
Mechanical factors to be assessed when determining strategy for fracture repair such as breed (body mass) which limb, number of limbs affected, nature of fracture etc.
Biological fracture assessment.
Biologic factors to be considered when determining patient fracture assessment such as age, health status, tissue health, nature of injury impact, injury to what part of bone etc.
Patient factors that do not favor rapid healing versus the opposite. Karindi says these are the most important though the 2 others mustn’t be forgotten.
Clinical fracture assessment.
Clinical factors to be considered such as client & patient compliance, disposition of patient etc.
Complications of splinting: (6)
- Distal oedema
- Splint slippage
- Skin damage – maceration
- Delayed surgical site healing
- Nonunion
- Ischemic necrosis
Name some types of Splints and casts (6)
- Robert-Jones bandage
- Spoon splint
(Sam splint, or Plastic) - Spica splint
- Fiberglass cast
Describe a Robert-Jones bandage.
- Most commonly used
- Pre- and/or 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.
Materials needed:
* Tape
* Cotton gauze
* Cotton padding
* Elastic tape
identify this bandage type
Robert-Jones
Describe a spoon splint.
Used to immobilize fractured:
* Distal radius and/or ulna
* Carpus or tarsus
* Metacarpus or metatarsus
Usually made of aluminum or plastic.
Stirrups can be used as well.
Materials needed:
* Spoon splint
* Tape
* Cotton padding
* Cotton gauze
* Elastic tape
identify this bandage type
spoon splint
Describe a spica splint.
- Used to immobilize fractured humerus or femur (so can be applied either forelimb or hindlimb).
- Torso/pelvis must be enveloped.
May be used for luxated elbow healing as well.
Can also utilize a frame type splint inside the bandage when temporary immobilization.
Material needed for spica:
* Tape
* Cotton padding
* Cast material
* Cotton gauze
* Elastic tape
What type of bandaging is it this?
spica splinting
For immobilization, different slings can be used. Name 2.
- Velpeau (frontlimb)
- Ehmer (hindlimb)
Describe a Velpeau sling.
- Prevents weight-bearing on the forelimb
- Paw pad injuries
- Carpal sling may be more comfortable
- Shoulder luxations
- Muscle/ligament tears
- Scapular fracures
identify this sling type
- Velpeau (frontlimb sling)
Describe a Ehmer sling
Prevents weight-bearing on the hind limb.
- Paw pad injuries
- Hip luxation
- Muscle/ligament tear
identify this sling type
Ehmer sling
