Revision 6, splinting and immobilizing

Question 1

Factors to be considered when deciding whether to splint

Answer 1

• Mechanical factors e.g. degree of fracture stability
• Biological factors e.g. healing potential, health status and age
• Clinical factors e.g. pain and discomfort
• Fracture characteristic
• Duration until repair and possible surgical options
• Patient’s overall condition
• Availability of aftercare
• Splint only in case of favorable conditions

Question 2

Commonly used splints

Answer 2

• Robert-Jones bandage

1. Most common used
2. Pre- and postoperative use

Pros:
- Minimal risk of vascular damage
- Minimization of swelling
- Enhanced visualization and palpation of anatomic
landmarks during surgery
- Prevention of additional soft tissue damage by sharp bone
fragments
- Elimination of dead space after surgery
- Easy to use

Cons
- Only minimal stability of bone fragments

• Spoon splint
  1. Sam splint
  2. Plastic
  3. Used to immobilize fractured
• Distal radius and/or ulna
• Carpus or tarsus
• Metacarpus or metatarsus
  4. Usually made of aluminum or plastic
• Spica splint
  1. Used to immobilize fractures humerus or femur
  2. Torso is enveloped
• Fiberglass cast

Question 3

Potential complications of splints

Answer 3

• Distal oedema
• Splint slippage
• Skin damage – maceration
• Delayed surgical site healing
• Nonunion
• Ischemic necrosis

Question 4

Commonly used slings and indications

Answer 4

Velpeau sling
* Prevents weight-bearing on the forelimb
* Paw pad injuries
* Carpal sling may be more comfortable
* Shoulder luxations
* Muscle/ligament tears, Scapular fracures

Ehmer sling
* Prevents weight-bearing on the hind limb
* Paw pad injuries
* Hip luxation
* Muscle/ligament tear