Long arm posterior splint

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Background

Indications

Procedure

Long arm posterior splint

Splint Application General Procedure

  • Assess pre-procedure neurovascular status (i.e., distal pulse, motor, and sensation) [1]
  • Measure and prepare the splinting material
    • May use contralateral extremity if easier
    • Most splints use a width slightly greater than the diameter of the limb
  • Apply stockinette (if applicable)
    • Extend 2" beyond estimated the splinting material length
  • Apply padding (if applicable)
    • Use 2–3 layers over the area to be splinted / between digits (when applicable)
    • Add an extra 2–3 layers over bony prominences
  • Apply splinting material
    • Lightly moisten the splinting material.
    • Place as appropriate to specific splint type
    • Once finished, if applicable fold the ends of stockinette back over the splinting material if there is excess
  • Apply elastic bandaging (e.g., ace wrap)
  • While still wet
    • May further mold the splint to the desired shape
    • Maintain position until splint material has hardened
  • Re-check and document repeat neurovascular status

Splint-Specific Details

  • Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
  • Splint course:[1]
    • From proximal palmar crease along ulna
    • Following the ulnar forearm
    • Posterior side of flexed elbow
    • Posterior proximal arm (3 inches away from axilla)
  • Key anatomic positions
    • Elbow at 90º
    • Forearm in neutral position with thumb up
    • Wrist neutral or slightly extended (10–20º)

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017