Tony Suharsono

Indications To immobilize and stabilize fracture and dislocation to

prevent further soft tissue or bony damages

To decrease pain

To decrease swelling

To immobilized injured areas

To immobilized area during healing

Cautions Injured extremities should be handled gently and

movement of the affected area minimized

Bony prominence should be padded

The joint above and below the injury site should be immobilized

Gentle longitudinal traction may be exerted while the splinting is being applied

Cautions When the injury site involves the joint, a dislocation,

or an open fracture, the injury should be splinted in the position found, unless circulatory compromised exist

No zipper or attachment of the splinting device are to be placed over the injury site

Neurovasculer status should be assessed and documented before and after splinting

Cautions Rigid splints should be well padded

If the limb is wrapped circumferentially, the wrapping material should be expandable and nonconstricting

When doubt exist, a splint should be applied

Equipment Soft-non rigid splint

Hard-rigid and semi rigid splint

Pneumatic-inflatable splint

Traction-capable of maintaining longitudinal traction for lower extremity fractures

Additional equipment may include : Padding material

Elastic bandage

Roller gauze bandage

Tape

Safety pins

Patient preparation Cut away clothing over the injury site

Assess and document the neurovasculer status

Measure non injured side to determine the correct size of splint

Pad bony prominence or soft tissue area

Remove jewelry from injured area

Remove boots and shoes from lower extremities injury

Place sterile dresing ovel all open wound

Procedural steps Grasp the extremity with both hand, one hand below

and ona hand over the injury site, and exert gentle longitudinal traction to straighten any angulation

Immobilization the joint above and below the injury site

The splint should be fit snugly but not be constrictive. Leave fingers and toes exposed

Assess and document distal neurovasculer status

Leave the splint intact untul definitif treatment is determined

Age specific consideration A child bone structure is more elastic

Childrens bones have a thicker periosteal covering, which enable faster and smoother recalcification after a fracture

Demineralization and loss of bone mass occur over the life span

The elderly have thinner skin and less soft tissue padding

Complication Decrease or absent pulse and sensation

Edema

Vascular and nerve damage

Compartement syndrome

Increased pain

Patient teaching Watch for changes in fingertips and toes

Report pain that continues to increase in severity and does not respond to pain medication

Elevate the limb in the level of heart decrease swelling and pain

Use cold pack over the injured area

Limit mobility and activity to allow healing of the injured site

Assess the patient ability to continue activities of daily living