Hand: Splinting

Question 1

splinting materials

Answer 1

• thermoplastic

- thermoset

Question 2

Thermoplastic has some flexibility and also has:

Answer 2

drapability

Question 3

Drapability allows thermoplastic to

Answer 3

mold to the person

Question 4

Thermoplastic requires high temperature, so be careful to:

Answer 4

• pay attn to pt’s skin

- make sure it’s not too hot or put them in a stockinette to reduce temp

Question 5

What are the main reasons to splint someone?

Answer 5

• immobilize
• mobilize
• restrict
• protection

Question 6

Why immobilize?

Answer 6

• waiting for bone, tendon to heal

- post-surgery

Question 7

What splint is used for mobilizing?

Answer 7

tenodesis splint

Question 8

What can be done to help with mobilization

Answer 8

can add things to a splint

Question 9

Restriction of movement takes these into account

Answer 9

creases of the hand

Question 10

A splint on the dorsum that goes past MCP will restrict _____ and allow______

Answer 10

• restricts MCP extension

- allows DIP and PIP extension

Question 11

Motion is restricted based on this

Answer 11

what needs to be protected

Question 12

splints for protection

Answer 12

somewhat immobilizing and restricting, but mostly just to protect

Question 13

examples of protection splints

Answer 13

• swan neck splints

- roller blade splints

Question 14

What are the 7 cardinal rules of splints?

Answer 14

1. force
2. surface
3. how long will they wear it?
4. involved structures
5. leverage
6. pt goals
7. do no harm

Question 15

How to check if appropriate force is being applied on a splint

Answer 15

• capillary refill
• red spots
• N/T, pain

Question 16

Surface components of splints

Answer 16

• volar
• dorsal
• occasionally will have splints with an ulnar or radial component

Question 17

Consider how long a pt will wear the splint

Answer 17

• night?
• functional splint for work?
• all day for immobilization?

Question 18

splinting: involved structures

Answer 18

any combo of these

• wrist
• hand
• palm
• fingers

Question 19

splints and leverage

Answer 19

• force decreases with longer lever arm

- thermoplastic is typically strong enough to handle wrist forces

Question 20

considering pt’s goals with splinting

Answer 20

don’t have to meet all, but try to meet them as much as possible