Forearm volar splint
(Redirected from Forearm Volar Splint)
Background
- May add a dorsal splint for increased stability (‘sandwich splint’)
- Not used for distal radius or ulnar fracture because this splint allows for supination and pronation
Indications
- Soft tissue injuries of the hand and/or wrist
- For example, sprain, carpal tunnel night splints, etc.
- Most carpal fractures
- 2nd-5th metacarpal fracture
Procedure
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 dorsal or volar mid-forearm
- Along volar forearm
- To the distal palmar crease (i.e., metacarpal heads)
- Key anatomic positions
- Forearm in neutral position with thumb up
- Wrist in slight extension (10–20º)
- Hand is in "holding a can" position
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017