What cast for distal radius fracture?

Our findings suggest that a short arm cast is as effective as a long arm cast for stable distal radius fractures in the elderly. Furthermore, it is more comfortable and introduces less restriction on daily activities.

What kind of splint is used for a fractured wrist?

Volar/dorsal splints: Splints extend from the middle of the forearm to the distal crease (crease near the top of the palm). These are useful for fractures to the bones of the wrist and index, middle and ring fingers. Sugar-tong splints: This type of splint is useful for fractures of the forearm and wrist.

How is a distal radius fracture treated?

If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support.

What is the difference between a splint and a brace?

Splints are often used temporarily when swelling is present. They are usually replaced with a more permanent cast after the swelling goes down. A brace is made of hard plastic and can be removed by you or your child.

What are the 3 types of splints?

Rigid Splint: Any rigid object, such as wood or plastic boards, broomstick, book or a rolled-out newspapers, which can be used to splint a fractured arm or leg. Flexible Splint: Any flexible object, like a pillow or a bed sheet with several folds. This type is used for foot, ankle and joint fractures.

What is the difference between a cast and a splint?

A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material.

What is a Thomas splint used for?

The modern “Thomas” splint is one of the most common pieces of medical equipment used in hospitals. It is a simple tool used to effectively immobilize limbs and has successfully reduced the morbidity and mortality that was once involved with limb fractures.

How do you use a radial gutter splint?

How tight should a wrist splint be for fracture?

THE FIT SHOULD BE SNUG, BUT NOT TIGHT

However, it should not be so tight that your extremity below the cast or splint is turning blue, purple, feels numb or tingly or cold to the touch. Conversely, the fit should not be loose enough to allow your limb to be moving or sliding inside of the cast or splint.

What’s a dynamic splint?

A dynamic splint uses a tension spring that is integrated into a brace, usually via a mechanical hinge. The spring provides mild, long duration stress on the restricted joint to facilitate tissue remodeling. The tension spring can be adjusted for more or less tension to achieve range of motion goals with less pain.

What is a radial gutter splint?

A radial gutter splint immobilizes the index and middle fingers after a fracture. It’s called “radial gutter” because it wraps around the side of the forearm formed by the radius bone. A splint is a medical device made of wood or other rigid material. It is used to immobilize a fractured or dislocated bone.

What is a coaptation splint?

n. A short splint designed to prevent overriding of the ends of a fractured bone, often supplemented by a longer splint to fix the entire limb.

What is dorsal splint?

Volar/dorsal splints are splints that extend from the middle of the forearm to the distal palmar crease (top crease in the palm). Volar splints are applied to the palm side of the forearm, wrist and hand, while dorsal splints are applied to the top side of the forearm, wrist, and hand.

What type of splint is used for a third metacarpal fracture?

A radial gutter splint should be used for second or third metacarpal fractures, with a hole for the thumb while leaving the ring and little finger free. The technique involves application of the splint from the proximal forearm to just beyond the DIP joint.

Why is it called gutter splint?

Radial gutter splints are used for fractures and severe sprains to the second and third metacarpals and phalanges (pointer and middle fingers). This splint gets its name because these fingers are on the radius side of the hand (the radius is the bone on the thumb side of the forearm).

When do you use ulnar gutter splints?

Ulnar gutter splints are devices applied to immobilize fractures of the 4th and 5th metacarpal. Ulnar gutter splints are applied along the ulnar side of the forearm and hand to immobilize the 4th and 5th digits and prevent shortening of collateral ligaments during immobilization.

When would you use a rigid splint?

It can also be used if you have a severe strain or sprain in one of your limbs. Placed properly, a rigid splint will help ease the pain of an injury by making sure that the wounded area doesn’t move.

How do you use an ortho glass splint?

What type of splint is ulnar gutter?

An ulnar gutter splint is a flexible splint that is used to support, stabilize, and immobilize injuries, dislocations and fractures of the hands, fingers, or wrists.

How do you apply ulnar gutter splints?