When do you use a long leg splint?

When do you use a long leg splint?

Long leg splintage is a useful technique for temporary immobilization of a fracture involving the distal femur. It can be used in the emergency room to immobilize the limb of a patient with an isolated injury. It can also be used as a temporary aid to fracture stabilization in the multiple injured patient.

What are the complications of cast?

What are some complications associated with casts and splints?

• Numbness or tingling in the affected limb.
• Cold or pale skin or skin with a bluish tinge.
• Burning or stinging.
• Increased pain or swelling.

How do you reduce swelling in a cast?

To reduce swelling:

1. Elevate the affected area. For the first 24 to 72 hours after your child’s cast is applied, use pillows to raise the cast above the level of your child’s heart.
2. Apply ice. Loosely wrap an ice pack covered in a thin towel around your child’s cast at the level of the injury.
3. Keep moving.

What is a long leg cast?

Background: Long-leg casts (LLCs) are an established treatment for pediatric tibial shaft fractures including fractures involving the distal third. There is a paucity of literature assessing the use of short-leg cast (SLC) for tibial shaft fractures.

What is a long leg posterior splint?

Posterior long leg splinting is a type of splint used to stabilize injuries by reducing movement and providing support to prevent further limb damage. A splint is a type of medical equipment made of wood or other rigid material. It is used to immobilize a fractured or dislocated bone.

How long does a cast stay on a broken leg?

If your child has a broken tibia or broken tibia-fibula, they will need to wear a cast or boot for six to 12 weeks. During this time, they will probably have a long leg cast for six weeks followed by a short leg cast and then an Aircast® boot.

Is swelling normal in a cast?

NOTE: it is normal to have some swelling after a new cast is applied, especially when your arm/leg drops below your heart level. In this case, elevate your cast as high as possible above your heart. You have a FEVER or CHILLS or notice DRAINAGE/UNUSUAL ODOR from your cast. Your cast is TOO LOOSE.

How long do you wear a long leg cast?

The long-leg cast is continued for 4 to 6 weeks. When there is radiographic evidence of adequate healing, the patient may be converted to a short-leg walking cast or preferably a walking cast boot. This treatment is continued until clinical and radiographic evidence of fracture union is observed.

What is long leg splintage used for?

Principles Long leg splintage is a useful technique for temporary immobilization of a fracture involving the distal femur. It can be used in the emergency room to immobilize the limb of a patient with an isolated injury. It can also be used as a temporary aid to fracture stabilization in the multiple injured patient.

How is a long leg cast applied to a knee fracture?

A long leg cast is applied first. While the knee is maintained in 45° to 60° of flexion and the hip is maintained in 45° of flexion, the stockinette and cast padding are rolled onto the extremity. The foot is included in neutral position or left out. Adhesive-backed foam can be applied over bony prominences to further reduce skin compromise.

What are the long-term effects of using a cast or splint?

Excessive immobi- lization from continuous use of a cast or splint can lead to chronic pain, joint stiff- ness, muscle atrophy, or more severe com- plications, such as complex regional pain syndrome. All patients who are placed in a splint or cast require careful monitoring to ensure proper recovery.

How long can a splint be used for a broken leg?

The splint is intended for provisional stabilization and can be used for up to 2-3 weeks. In general, it is taken off in the operating room before operative management. In the rare case of definitive nonoperative treatment, it can be converted to a long leg cast at 1-2 weeks, after the swelling has subsided.