SPLINTING STS 2/17/2015

INDICATIONS FOR SPLINTING Fractures Sprains Joint infections Lacerations over joints Puncture wounds and animal bites of the hands or feet

SIGNS FOR SPLINTING Pain and tenderness Deformity or angulation Swelling and discoloration Loss of use Grating or crepitus Exposed bone Joint locked into position or dislocation Bleeding  What’s the indication for a traction splint?  Isolated mid-shaft femur fracture

SIGNS OF A VASCULAR INJURY Loss of distal pulses Pale, cool skin Delayed or absent capillary refill Pain Numbness Tingling or prickling Sensory loss Paralysis

THE RULES OF SPLINTING Check CMS before and after splinting Splint in position found If possible, position of function (have patient hold gauze) Splint must be large enough to go past the 2 nearest uninjured joints Never tape or strap over an injury or uninjured joint

LONG ARM POSTERIOR SPLINT Indications Elbow and forearm fractures: Distal humerus Both-bone forearm Unstable proximal radius or ulna

DOUBLE SUGAR TONG Indications Elbow and forearm fracture Why do we use prefer this over posterior splint? Prohibits flexion/extension and pronation/supination more so If you have the time, use this splint over the long arm posterior splint 10 90

WRIST SPLINT Indications Soft tissue hand and wrist injuries Why don’t we use this for radius and ulnar fractures? Because the patient can still supinate and pronate

FOREARM SUGAR TONG Indications Distal radius and ulnar fractures Unlike wrist splint, this prevents pronation and supination and immobilizes elbow.