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