Long arm posterior splint
Background
- Doesn’t completely eliminate supination / pronation
- Either add an anterior splint or use a double sugar tong splint if complex or unstable distal forearm fracture
Indications
- Elbow and forearm injuries
- Distal humerus fracture
- Both-bone forearm fracture
- Unstable proximal radius or ulna fracture (sugar-tong better)
Procedure
- Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
- Apply padding and splint material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as shown, along posterior/ulnar aspect of arm
- Wrist should be placed in slight extension (approximately 20°)
- Maintain position until splint material has hardened and secure splint to arm (e.g. ace wraps)
- Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation