Thermoplastics/Splinting Flashcards
What are some handling characteristics of san-splint?
- Rubber-based isoprene material provides a high degree of control
- Can be worked aggressively without fingerprinting
- Excellent rigidity without reinforcement
How can san-splint be softened?
- A hot air oven
- Hot water
What are the recommended uses for san-splints?
- Ideal for medium to large splints
- Functional position splints (drop foot)
- Resting splints
- Spasticity splints
What is a common brand of san-splints?
EXOS
When would a san-splint for thumb injuries be used?
- Ulnar collateral ligament
- Hyperextension
What are the anatomical boundaries of a san-splint for thumb injuries?
- Distal: proximal to inter-phalangeal joint
- Proximal: distal to wrist joint (even with the base of the 1st metacarpal)
When would a san-splint for thumb spica be used?
- Help with Dequervain’s tenosynovitis
- Immobilizes the thumb and wrist
What are the anatomical boundaries of a san-splint for the thumb spica?
- Distal: proximal to IP joint of the tumb
- Proximal: cover the distal 1/3 to 1/2 of the radius
What can a san-splint for ulnar deviation help with?
- TFCC injury
- Medial ligamentous injury of the wrist
- If extended to 4th and 5th fingers it can support for boxer’s fracture
What are the basic principles of splinting?
- Protect from further damage/injury, including shock
- Rest the injured area to aid in pain control and patient comfort
- Aid in compliance with recommended treatment
- Length of time immobilized (determined by a physician)
What are some specific splinting skills?
- Support in the best anatomical position
- Adequately pad to protect bony prominences
- Allow limiting non-involved joint ROM
- Educate the patient
What are some special considerations for splinting?
- Do not overstep your level of expertise
- Special populations (kids, diabetics, elderly, elite athletes
What id the practical application of a lower leg, non weight bearing splint?
- Undisplaced tibial or fibular fracture
- 2nd and 3rd degree ankle sprains
- Suspected metatarsal fractures (Lis Franc injuries)
What are some specific splinting skills?
- Support in the best anatomical position
- Adequately pad to protect bony prominences
- Allow limiting non-involved joint ROM
- Educate the patient
What is a lis franc injury
A dislocation between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals
