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 a radial gutter splint used for?
What is a radial gutter splint used for? Radial gutter splints are used for fractures and severe sprains to the second and third metacarpals and phalanges (pointer and middle fingers). Both ulnar gutter and radial gutter splints are made from a hard material that forms to the forearm, wrist, hand, and injured fingers.
What is the treatment for a radial fracture?
Ulna and Radius Fractures: What You Need to Know
- The forearm is made up of two bones, the ulna and the radius.
- A forearm fracture can occur in one or both of the forearm bones.
- Some of the causes include falls on the forearm or outstretched arm and direct impact from an object to the forearm.
What are the types of radial fractures?
What are the different types of distal radius fractures?
- Colles fracture – a common type of fracture in which the broken part of the bone tilts upward
- Intra-articular fracture – extends into the wrist joint
- Extra-articular fracture – doesn’t extend into the wrist
- Hairline or non-displaced fracture – the bone isn’t out of place
- Displaced fracture – the bone is out of place
What is a radial fracture splint?
What is a radial gutter splint used for?
- Soft tissue injuries to the second and third fingers
- Fractures of the second and third fingers
- Rheumatoid arthritis (swelling and pain of the joints)
- Deep cuts or lacerations over the joints of the second and third fingers
How do you splint a radial fracture?
0:070:56How to Splint a Forearm - EMTprep.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply it to the patient's skin while minimizing movement of the extremity. Using gods or kobanMoreApply it to the patient's skin while minimizing movement of the extremity. Using gods or koban secure the splint to the patient's. Extremity.
How are distal radius fractures treated?
Nonsurgical Treatment 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 are the four types of splinting?
Splint TypesLong leg posterior splint.Stirrup splint.Posterior ankle splint.
When do you use a volar splint?
A volar splint can be used for various injuries, including the following:Soft-tissue injuries of the wrist and hand.Fractures of the second, third, and fourth metacarpals.Fractures of the second, third, and fourth phalanges.Positioning for rheumatoid arthritis.Certain wrist fractures, including a pisiform fracture.More items...•
How do you splint a broken wrist?
To make a homemade splint:Gently wrap the wrist in some cloth or padding to help cushion the break. ... Place the splint so that it rests on the joint above and the joint below the injury.Using strips of cloth, fasten the splint tightly enough to keep the joint steady and secure but not enough to cut off circulation.More items...•
How long do you wear a splint for a fractured wrist?
You will likely get a splint to keep your wrist from moving. If you have a small fracture and the bone pieces do not move out of place, you will likely wear a splint for 3 to 5 weeks. Some breaks may require you to wear a cast for about 6 to 8 weeks.
What are the 2 types of splints?
In emergency cases, anything can be used for splinting, yet there are two types of splints:Flexible.Rigid.
What is the difference between a wrist splint and a wrist brace?
Wrist Splints are ideal for conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sprains, or Wrist Tendonitis. A Wrist Support Guard is ideal for sports or activities that require full flexibility in the wrist.
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.
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 volar splinting?
Volar splinting is a valuable technique for managing traumatic and non-traumatic conditions of the hand and wrist. The splint immobilizes and supports the metacarpals and carpals while allowing room for swelling. The splint can be removed to examine wounds that may accompany the injury.[1][9][1]
What is a gutter splint?
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.
What is the most common distal radius fracture?
The break can occur in many different ways, however. One of the most common distal radius fractures is a Colles fracture, in which the broken fragment of the radius tilts upward. This fracture was first described in 1814 by an Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles -- hence the name "Colles" fracture.
Why is distal radius fracture recovery so different?
Because the kinds of distal radius fractures are so varied and the treatment options are so broad, recovery is different for each individual. Talk to your doctor for specific information about your recovery program and return to daily activities.
What is a Colles fracture?
A Colles fracture occurs when the broken end of the radius tilts upward. Other ways the distal radius can break include: Intra-articular fracture. A fracture that extends into the wrist joint. ("Articular" means "joint.") Extra-articular fracture.
What is the distal radius?
Distal Radius Fractures (Broken Wrist) The radius is the larger of the two bones of the forearm. The end toward the wrist is called the distal end. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks. Distal radius fractures are very common. In fact, the radius is the most commonly broken bone in the arm.
Why is it important to classify the type of fracture?
It is important to classify the type of fracture, because some fractures are more difficult to treat than others. Intra-articular fractures, open fractures, comminuted fractures, and displaced fractures (when the broken pieces of bone do not line up straight).are more difficult to treat, for example.
Why do fractures require immediate medical attention?
These types of fractures require immediate medical attention because of the risk for infection. Comminuted fracture. When a bone is broken into more than two pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture. It is important to classify the type of fracture, because some fractures are more difficult to treat than others.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
Most fractures hurt moderately for a few days to a couple of weeks. Many patients find that using ice, elevation (holding their arm up above their heart), and simple, non-prescription medications for pain relief are all that are needed to relieve pain.
