UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Indications
- Immobilisation of fractures and dislocations with an appropriate splint to reduce pain and further damage to surrounding structures.
Rigid Splinting
- This formable splint is made of foam covered aluminium and can be shaped to support most long bone fractures. Whilst it is flexible when flat, by changing its shape to a channel (C-Curve), it becomes rigid and supportive. It is easy to apply in various situations, the basics of which will be covered in this instruction. It can be cut down to any desired length.
Contraindications
Contraindications
Patient Factors & Considerations
- Adjust bandages if circulation is compromised.
- Consider mechanism of injury and spinal.
- Consider using a pillow to apply additional support to the injured limb.
- Immobilise dislocated joints in position found.
- Transport gently.
Procedure
Principles
- Dress open fractures and wounds.
- Assess distal neurovascular observations:
- Pulse & Capillary Refill
- Colour
- Warmth
- Movement
- Sensation
- Pad natural hollows, deformities and bony prominences to maintain normal alignment.
- Apply broad bandages or similar around the limb securing above and below injury site.
- Tie off over unaffected limb.
- Re-assess distal neurovascular observations.
Preparation
- All relevant infection control methods to be utilised.
- Prepare equipment required:
- Broad bandages
- Gauze
- Formable splint (if required, for rigid splinting)
- Triangular bandage (if required, for slinging and/or soft splinting)
- Pillow (if required, for soft splinting)
- Tape or safety pin
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Consider appropriate analgesia.
- Carefully cut away any clothing on the affected limb and remove gloves/footwear.
Triangular Bandage Sling
- Place the point of the triangular bandage behind the injured elbow (1) and one end over the uninjured shoulder.
- Slip the other end of the bandage under the arm and over the shoulder (2), cradling the arm.
- Tie the ends of the bandage behind the neck. Fasten the edge of the bandage, near the elbow, with a safety pin, tape or knot (3).
Rigid Splinting
- Follow preparation and principles as listed above.
- Unpack the splint, flattening it out.
- Measure up and create the required curvature against the uninjured limb (where possible).
- Maintain support and gentle traction of injured limb when placing splint underneath.
- Apply broad bandages or similar around the limb securing above and below injury site.
- Elevate the injured limb.
- Re-assess distal neurovascular observations.
Volar Wrist or Radius/Ulna fracture
Ankle Stirrup
Long Leg
Soft Splinting
- Follow preparation and principles as listed above.
- Mould pillow carefully around the foot and ankle allowing access to the toes and pedal pulse.
- Secure pillow with bandages in a position of comfort.
- Elevate the injured limb.
- Re-assess distal neurovascular observations.
Success
Success
Discontinue
Discontinue
Additional Information
Additional information
References
References
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