Upper Extremity Splints and Casts

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Chapter 13 Upper Extremity Splints and Casts

Figure-of-8 splint

Overview

1. Figure-of-8 splints are used primarily for fractures about the clavicle.
2. Figure-of-8 splints are commercially prepared devices intended to create a reduction force on the clavicle.
3. No difference in outcome is seen between a figure-of-8 splint and a sling for closed management of clavicle fractures.

Indications for Use

1. Minimally displaced clavicle shaft fractures
2. Medial physeal clavicle fractures

Precautions

1. Closed reductions cannot be maintained and should not be attempted.
2. Avoid overtightening the splint; excessive tension can result in increased pain, compression of the axillary vessels, and brachial plexus neuropathy.

Pearls

1. Reduction is not required for most clavicle fractures.
2. Clavicle fractures with more than 1.5 cm of overlap result in long-term disability and should be treated with an open reduction and internal fixation.
3. Fractures that tent the skin can erode through the skin and are unlikely to heal without open reduction and internal fixation.

Equipment

Figure-of-8 splint

Basic Technique

1. Patient positioning:

a. Standing

2. Landmarks:

a. Clavicle
b. Acromioclavicular joint

3. Steps:

a. Have the patient stand.
b. Fit the patient with a figure-of-8 splint.
c. The figure-of-8 splint should be placed so that the center of the “8” rests on upper back.

Detailed Technique

1. Have the patient stand (Figure 13-1).
2. Apply the figure-of-8 splint so that the center of the “8” comes to rest between the shoulder blades on the upper back (Figure 13-2).
3. Adjust the figure-of-8 dressing so that it is as tight as possible while still being comfortable to wear (Figures 13-3 and 13-4).
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Figure 13-1

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Figure 13-2

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Figure 13-3

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Figure 13-4

Arm sling/arm sling and swath

Overview

“Though simple in form and principle, this sling is rich in security, ease, and comfort.”—W.C. Wermuth, MD, 1908

1. The arm sling is used for a variety of conditions.
2. A swath wrapped around the body is added for shoulder immobilization.

Indications for Use

1. Sling:

a. Clavicle fractures
b. Minimally displaced proximal humerus fractures
c. Acromioclavicular separations
d. Support for splints and casts of the upper extremity

2. Sling and swath: moderately displaced proximal humerus fractures where the humerus does not move as a single unit

Precautions

1. Ensure a proper fit to prevent pressure complications at the back of the neck. It is recommended that a well-padded sling be used or that the neck be padded with cast padding and/or an ABD pad.
2. Elderly patients and patients with compromised skin (such as persons taking steroids on a long-term basis) should be monitored closely for skin breakdown.

Pearls

1. The adult elbow does not tolerate immobilization well. If possible given the nature of the injury, the patient should be instructed to perform daily elbow, wrist, and hand range-of-motion exercises.
2. If a reduction maneuver has been performed, obtain postreduction radiographs while the patient is wearing the sling or the sling and swath to ensure maintenance of the reduction.

Equipment

1. Arm sling or sling and swath
2. Cast padding or ABD pad
3. Talcum powder (optional)

Improvisation

An arm sling and 6-inch elastic bandage can be used if a commercial sling and swath are not available.

Basic Technique

1. Patient positioning:

a. Standing

2. Landmarks:

a. Clavicle
b. Acromioclavicular joint
c. Acromion

3. Steps:

a. Sling:

(1) Have the patient stand.
(2) Fit the patient with a sling.
(3) The sling should provide support for the weight of the arm.

b. Sling and swath:

(1) Have the patient stand.
(2) Place an ABD pad with talcum powder (optional) in the axilla.
(3) Fit the patient with a sling.
(4) Apply the swath.

Detailed Technique

1. Sling:

a. Have the patient stand.
b. Pad the neck strap of the sling to prevent pressure complications at the back of the neck (Figures 13-5 and 13-6).
c. Apply the sling and adjust the straps.
d. Adjust the sling so it is tight enough to support the weight of the arm (Figure 13-7).

2. Sling and swath:

a. Have the patient stand.
b. Pad the neck strap of the sling to prevent pressure complications at the back of the neck.
c. Place talcum powder on the ABD pad and fold the pad in half, with the talcum side facing out (Figure 13-8).
d. Place the folded ABD pad in the axilla to absorb perspiration.
e. Apply the sling and adjust the straps so it is loose while providing some support for the weight of the arm.
f. Buckle and adjust the circumferential body strap (Figure 13-9).
g. If using a sling only, swath the arm to the body using cast padding (Figure 13-10) followed by application of a large elastic bandage (Figure 13-11).

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Figure 13-5

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Figure 13-6

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Figure 13-7

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Figure 13-8

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Figure 13-9

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Figure 13-10

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Figure 13-11

Coaptation splint

Overview

1. The correct application of either of the methods described below will ensure that the coaptation splint remains secure and does not fall out of place.
2. See Chapter 9 for a discussion on reduction of humeral shaft fractures.

Indications for Use

Humeral shaft fracture

Precautions

1. Do not allow one end of the coaptation splint to end at the fracture site; otherwise, the splint terminus will become a fulcrum and cause more displacement.
2. An ABD pad can be placed in the axilla after the splint is applied (see Figure 13-8).

a. Use of an ABD pad prevents direct compression of the brachial plexus.
b. An ABD pad absorbs moisture.
3. When using the hanging stockinette modification technique, pay close attention to which side of the splint is padded. Ensure that the well-padded side is facing toward the patient.

Pearls

1. Coaptation splints have a reputation for being made poorly and for sliding down the arm.
2. The key to applying a coaptation splint properly is to ensure that the splint always comes above the arm onto the shoulder (Figure 13-12).
3. Use a technique that allows the coaptation splint to be secured around the body to prevent distal displacement. An extra-long elastic or self-adherent bandage is a useful adjunct for a coaptation splint.
4. When applying the splint, have the patient turn his or her head to the contralateral side, which prevents the neck from pushing down the splint during application.
5. We prefer using a self-adhesive bandage to overwrap the plaster because it acts predictably during application, stays in place well, and looks better than other options.
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Figure 13-12

Equipment

1. Stockinette: 4 inches wide, 6 feet long
2. Cast padding: 4 inches wide
3. Plaster: 4 inches wide
4. Elastic or self-adherent bandage: 4 inches wide
5. Silk tape: 2 inches wide (optional)
6. Bucket of tepid water

Basic Technique

1. Patient positioning:

a. If possible, have the patient stand or sit up with his or her back off the stretcher.
b. The elbow is placed at 90 degrees.
c. If the patient is unable to sit up, move the head of bed as upright as possible.

2. Where to start:

a. As high into the axilla as possible
b. If the fracture is in the proximal third of the humeral diaphysis (right at the level of the axilla on the radiograph), start the splint lower.

3. Where to finish:

a. At the base of the neck

4. Where to mold:

a. Lateral aspect, distal to the fracture site

5. Steps:

a. Measure the length of the splint using plaster.
b. Roll out the cast padding.
c. Roll out the plaster.
d. Cut a 6-foot length of 4-inch stockinette.
e. Position the patient.
f. Prepare the plaster in the usual fashion.
g. Place a splint inside a stockinette.
h. Apply the splint.
i. Definitively secure the splint with an elastic bandage.
j. Complete the stockinette.

Detailed Technique

1. Measure the length of the splint.

a. Use the contralateral side.
b. Hold one hand in the axilla and wrap the plaster around the elbow until the base of the neck is reached.
c. Mark the length on the plaster by making a small tear on one side.

2. Roll out the plaster (Figure 13-13).

a. The plaster slab should be 10 to 12 sheets thick.
b. Use the measured length.
3. Roll out the cast padding (Figure 13-14).

a. Use the usual technique that will allow the cast padding to be folded over (see Chapter 12).
b. Add at least 6 inches of length so the splint may be folded over.
4. Cut a 6-foot length of 4-inch stockinette.
5. Position the patient (Figure 13-15).

a. Have the patient sit upright if possible.
b. Place the patient’s elbow at 90 degrees.
c. Ensure that the patient’s head is facing toward the contralateral side.
6. Prepare the plaster in the usual fashion (Figures 13-16 and 13-17). Use the usual technique of wetting and laminating, followed by placement in cast padding (see Chapter 12).
7. Place the splint inside a stockinette (Figure 13-18).

a. Initially placing the entire length of the stockinette on the surgeon’s forearm is helpful.
b. Hold one end of the splint with the arm containing the stockinette.
c. Pull the stockinette to the end of the splint.
d. Do not forget which side of the splint is padded!
8. Apply the splint (see Figure 13-12).

a. Start in the axilla or at an appropriate starting point given the fracture site. Provisionally secure it with cast padding at the middle arm.
b. Loop the splint around the elbow. Again, provisionally secure it with cast padding at the middle arm.
c. Momentarily fold the remaining part of the splint down.
d. Pass the loose end of the stockinette around the neck.
9. Definitively secure the splint with an elastic or self-adherent bandage (Figure 13-19).

a. Wrap the elastic or self-adherent bandage around the arm and splint.
b. Having an assistant support the arm and/or the splint can be helpful.
10. Apply the mold. Most fractures require a two-point mold, with one hand anterolateral at the fracture site and the other posteromedial at the elbow (Figure 13-20).
11. Complete the stockinette (Figures 13-21 and 13-22):

a. Tie a slip knot in the loose end of the stockinette (an overhand knot with a draw-loop).
b. Place the wrist of the affected side inside the slip knot to create a collar-and-cuff type construct.
12. Place a cast padding wedge under the arm to counteract varus displacement of the fracture (optional) (Figures 13-23 and 13-24).
13. A posterior slab may be added to control elbow motion for more distal fractures (Figures 13-25 and 13-26).
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Figure 13-13

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Figure 13-14

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Figure 13-15

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Figure 13-16

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Figure 13-17

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Figure 13-18

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Figure 13-19

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Figure 13-20

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Figure 13-21

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Figure 13-22

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Figure 13-23

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Figure 13-24

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Figure 13-25

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Figure 13-26

Posterior elbow splint

Overview

1. A posterior elbow splint is inherently weak. Struts must be added to prevent elbow extension in the splint.
2. Two techniques are described for stabilization of the posterior elbow splint:

a. External struts with tape
b. Internal struts with plaster

Indications for Use

1. Fractures about the elbow
2. Postoperative/postinjury elbow immobilization
3. Elbow dislocations

Precautions

1. The wrist is usually immobilized to control for pronation and supination about the elbow. Elbow dislocations should be splinted in at least 90 degrees of flexion with the wrist in pronation.
2. Ensure that the splint remains proximal to the palmar flexion crease to preserve complete finger range of motion.
3. At the antecubital fossa, do not allow edges of cast padding to lay immediately within the fossa borders.

a. Allowing edges of cast padding to lay immediately within the fossa borders will create wrinkling and can lead to skin breakdown in this very fragile area.
b. Span the fossa by having the mid point of the cast padding roll directly over the elbow flexion crease.
c. By having the mid point of the cast padding roll directly over the elbow flexion crease, the cast padding will be slightly tented above the fossa and will not be in direct contact, thus reducing the risk of skin breakdown.

4. Because the olecranon and ulnar styloid are at risk in this splint, care should be taken to apply additional padding over these areas.

Pearls

1. A posterior elbow slab is very weak and does not provide significant immobilization.

a. Some form of strut must be made to prevent flexion/extension.
b. The struts can be internal to the splint or external to the splint:

(1) Internal struts are made of plaster and applied directly to the posterior slab, providing resistance to both flexion and extension.
(2) External struts are made of tape and applied to the splint after it is definitively secured, providing resistance to extension but not flexion.

2. Have the patient or an assistant hold the hand of the affected side by the fingertips to help with positioning and reduce pain.

Equipment

1. Cast padding: 3 inches wide
2. Plaster: 4 inches wide and 2 inches wide
3. Elastic or self-adherent bandage: 4 inches wide
4. Bucket of tepid water
5. Tape (optional): 2 inches

Basic Technique

1. Patient positioning:

a. The patient should sit upright with his or her shoulder off the side of the bed.
b. The elbow should be in the desired position of flexion and pronation/supination.

2. Where to start:

a. Proximal to the palmar flexion crease

3. Where to finish:

a. Immediately distal to the axillary fold of the arm

4. Where to mold:

a. Slight supracondylar mold above the elbow

Detailed Technique

1. Measure the length of the splint using plaster.

a. Use the contralateral side.
b. Start proximal to the palmar flexion crease.
c. End immediately below the axillary fold.

2. Roll out the plaster.

a. The posterior slab should be 10 to 12 layers thick and 4 inches wide.
b. Side struts can be 8 to 10 layers thick and 2 inches wide.

3. Position the patient:

a. Standing or sitting upright
b. Arm freely off to the side
c. Elbow bent to desired degree of flexion

4. Wrap the extremity in cast padding.

a. Start at either end (Figure 13-27).
b. Circumferentially wrap with cast padding, using a standard 50% overlap technique (see Chapter 12). Two layers of wrapping are sufficient.
c. Carefully tear the cast padding so it conforms around the thumb interspace. Do not go past the palmar flexion crease.
d. Span the fossa with cast padding at the antebrachial fossa (see aforementioned precautions).
e. Tear several small strips of cast padding and apply them over the bony prominences of the olecranon and ulnar styloid to provide additional padding (Figure 13-28).

5. Create three cast padding cuffs (see Chapter 12):

a. Palmar flexion crease/metacarpal heads (Figure 13-29): This cuff should form a “V” at the ulnar aspect of the hand to allow for the cascade of the digits.
b. Thumb: This cuff should form a “V” at the base of the thumb (Figure 13-30).
c. Proximal forearm (Figure 13-31): This cuff can be circular.
6. Prepare the plaster. Use the usual technique of wetting and laminating (see Chapter 12).
7. Apply the plaster.

a. Apply the posterior slab first (Figure 13-32).

(1) Position the posterior slab over the ulnar border of the forearm, around the olecranon and the posterior aspect of the arm.
(2) Provisionally secure with cast padding at the wrist, forearm, and arm if necessary.
b. Apply side struts (if not using external struts).

(1) Start laterally at the mid arm and angle obliquely toward the forearm (Figure 13-33). Laminate the side strut to the posterior slab.
(2) Apply the medial side strut in the same position if additional stability is needed. Laminate the side strut to the posterior slab.

8. Cover the plaster. Wrap cast padding over the top of the plaster to prevent adhesion of the plaster to the elastic or self-adherent bandage (Figure 13-34).
9. Definitively secure the splint with an elastic or self-adherent bandage (Figure 13-35).
10. Apply molding if necessary.
11. Create an external strut (if no internal struts are used) after the plaster has set (Figure 13-36). Use the figure-of-8 technique with tape.

a. Take 2-inch silk tape and begin at the mid point of the posterior aspect of the arm (Figure 13-37)
b. Wrap around to the mid point of the anterior aspect of the arm.
c. Span the fossa obliquely.
d. Attach tape to the opposite aspect of the forearm.
e. Wrap around the dorsal forearm (Figure 13-38).
f. Span the fossa obliquely.
g. Attach tape to the lateral aspect of the arm (Figure 13-39).
h. At the intersection of the figure of 8, wrap with tape (Figure 13-40).
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Figure 13-27

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Figure 13-28

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Figure 13-29

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Figure 13-30

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Figure 13-31

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Figure 13-32

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Figure 13-33

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Figure 13-34

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Figure 13-35

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Figure 13-36

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Figure 13-37

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Figure 13-38

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Figure 13-39

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Figure 13-40

Long arm cast

Indications for Use

1. Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures
2. Pediatric forearm fractures
3. Pediatric unstable distal radius fractures
4. Adult distal radius fractures
5. Adult forearm fractures

Precautions

1. Do not plaster over the thenar eminence (Figure 13-41).
2. Do not extend the plaster beyond the palmar crease. The patient must be able to flex his or her metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints to at least 70 degrees (Figure 13-42).
3. At the antecubital fossa, do not allow edges of cast padding to lay immediately within the fossa borders.

a. Allowing edges of cast padding to lay immediately within the fossa borders will create wrinkling and can lead to skin breakdown in this very fragile area.
b. Span the fossa by having the mid point of the cast padding roll directly over the elbow flexion crease.
c. By having the mid point of the cast padding roll directly over the elbow flexion crease, the cast padding will be slightly tented above the fossa and will not be in direct contact, thus reducing the risk of skin breakdown.

4. Because the olecranon and ulnar styloid are at risk in this splint, care should be taken to apply additional padding over these areas.
5. Be prepared to bivalve the cast to prevent compartment syndrome if postreduction swelling occurs.
6. Never cast an acute supracondylar fracture or floating elbow injury without bivalving.
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Figure 13-41

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Figure 13-42

Pearls

1. The easiest method is to create a short arm cast and then continue with the long arm portion.
2. Once you start “slinging” plaster more quickly, a long arm cast can be attempted in one step.
3. The easiest place to begin is at the wrist. The natural contour of the arm will prevent sliding.
4. It is difficult to control elbow flexion and forearm pronation when placing a long arm cast, especially in a child.

a. To partially alleviate this difficulty, it is useful to have older children pretend they are a “drama queen” and have them place the dorsal aspect of their hand on their forehead after the short arm cast has been applied (Figure 13-43).
b. Once the patient is in this position, the long arm portion of the cast can be completed.
c. Parents can aid with keeping the arm at 90 degrees of elbow flexion for younger children.

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Figure 13-43

Equipment

1. Stockinette: 3 to 4 inches
2. Cast padding: 3 to 4 inches
3. Plaster: 4 inches
4. Elastic or self-adherent bandage: 3 to 4 inches

Basic Technique

1. Patient positioning:

a. Supine:

(1) Have thin patients move their body all the way to the contralateral side of the stretcher.
(2) The patient can then rest his or her elbow on the stretcher.

b. Upright: Use a bedside table to allow the patient to place his or her arm at a comfortable level if no reduction is required.
c. The elbow should be bent to 90 degrees with the arm upright.
d. The wrist position depends on the type of fracture and the location of the fracture.

(1) Distal radius fracture:

(a) Wrist in pronation

(2) Fracture of both bones of the forearm:

(a) Proximal third: wrist in supination
(b) Middle third: wrist in neutral
(c) Distal third: wrist in pronation

2. Where to start:

a. Palmar flexion crease

3. Where to finish:

a. Upper arm, below the axillary fold

4. Where to mold:

a. Dependent on fracture

(1) Distal radius fracture:

(a) Same as sugar tong

(2) Fracture of both bones of the forearm:

(a) Interosseous mold
(b) Ulnar-sided flat mold

5. Steps:

a. Prepare the stockinette.
b. Position the stockinette.
c. Wrap the extremity in cast padding.
d. Create three cast padding cuffs (see Chapter 12).
e. Fold the stockinette over proximally and distally.
f. Prepare the plaster roll in the usual fashion.
g. Apply the plaster roll for a short arm cast.
h. Reposition the patient.
i. Apply the plaster roll to the elbow and arm.
j. Split the cast, if necessary.

Detailed Technique

1. Prepare the stockinette by cutting it into two pieces:

a. One piece for the proximal portion at the arm
b. One piece for the distal portion at the hand

2. Position the stockinette:

a. Place one stockinette over the upper arm.
b. Cut a thumb hole in the mid portion of the other stockinette and fit this piece over the hand (Figure 13-44).
c. The stockinette should extend to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints.

3. Wrap the extremity in cast padding.

a. Start at the wrist and circumferentially wrap distally (Figure 13-45).

(1) Use a standard 50% overlap technique (see Chapter 12).
(2) Two layers of padding are sufficient.
b. Carefully tear the cast padding so as to conform around the thumb interspace (Figure 13-46). Do not go past the palmar flexion crease.
c. Once the hand has been adequately padded, continue wrapping proximally to the proximal forearm (Figure 13-47).
d. Span the fossa with cast padding at the antebrachial fossa (Figure 13-48) (see aforementioned precautions).
e. Continue proximally to area just below axillary fold (Figure 13-49).

4. Create three cast padding cuffs (see Chapter 12).

a. Palmar flexion crease/metacarpal heads (see Figure 13-29

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