Radial gutter splint: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
 
*Prevents flexion/extension of the 2nd/3rd DIP, PIP, MCP, and wrist joints


==Indications==
==Indications==
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==Procedure==
==Procedure==
[[File:Radial Gutter3.gif|thumb]]
[[File:Radial Gutter3.gif|thumb]]
{{Splint Application General Procedure}}


*Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
===Splint-Specific Details===
*Apply padding and splint material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as shown to radial aspect of forearm
*Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
**Wrist should be placed in slight extension (approximately 20°) and MCP should be flexed
*Splint course:<ref name="Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods"> Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017</ref>
*Maintain position until splint material has hardened and secure splint to arm (e.g. ace wraps)
**From mid radial forearm
*Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
**Along radial aspect of forearm
**To beyond DIP of index finger, with thumb free
*Key anatomic positions<ref name="Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods"> Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017</ref>
**Forearm in neutral position
**Wrist slight extension (approximately 20°)
**MCP flexed 50-70 degrees
**DIP and PIP in slight flexion (5°–10°)


==See Also==
==See Also==

Latest revision as of 22:47, 10 May 2023

Background

  • Prevents flexion/extension of the 2nd/3rd DIP, PIP, MCP, and wrist joints

Indications

  • Phalangeal and metacarpal fracture or and soft tissue injuries of the 2nd and 3rd digits.

Procedure

Radial Gutter3.gif

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 mid radial forearm
    • Along radial aspect of forearm
    • To beyond DIP of index finger, with thumb free
  • Key anatomic positions[1]
    • Forearm in neutral position
    • Wrist slight extension (approximately 20°)
    • MCP flexed 50-70 degrees
    • DIP and PIP in slight flexion (5°–10°)

See Also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017