Sling and swathe splint
Background
Indications
- Clavicle fracture, Humerus fracture, Acromioclavicular injuries, soft tissue injuries
Procedure
- Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
- Apply sling and swathe as shown
- A = Sling
- B = Sling + Swathe
- Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
- Perform shoulder range of motion exercises upon discharge unless contraindicated (Proximal humerus fracture)
- Prevents Adhesive capsulitis
- Sling should extend to MCP joint of the immobilized arm to prevent excessive ulnar deviation of the wrist (can lead to ulnar neuropathy) [1]
See Also
References
- ↑ Bond M. Immobilization and splinting. In: Bond M, ed. Orthopedic Emergencies: Expert Management for the Emergency Physician. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; October 31, 2013.