Coaptation splint

Indications

• Humerus shaft fracture

Procedure

Splint Application General Procedure

• Assess pre-procedure neurovascular status (i.e., distal pulse, motor, and sensation)
• Measure and prepare the splinting material
  • May use contralateral extremity if easier
  • Most splints use a width slightly greater than the diameter of the limb
• Apply stockinette (if applicable)
  • Extend 2" beyond estimated the splinting material length
• Apply padding (if applicable)
  • Use 2–3 layers over the area to be splinted / between digits (when applicable)
  • Add an extra 2–3 layers over bony prominences
• Apply splinting material
  • Lightly moisten the splinting material.
  • Place as appropriate to specific splint type
  • Once finished, if applicable fold the ends of stockinette back over the splinting material if there is excess
• Apply elastic bandaging (e.g., ace wrap)
• While still wet
  • May further mold the splint to the desired shape
  • Maintain position until splint material has hardened
• Re-check and document repeat neurovascular status

Splint-Specific Details

• Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
• Splint course:
• Key anatomic positions

• Assess distal pulses, motor, and sensation
• While maintaining traction, apply padding and splint material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as shown
  • Splint should extend from the medial aspect of the arm near the axilla around the elbow and up to the acromioclavicular joint
  • Use a generous amount of padding on the arm to prevent discomfort in the axilla
• Maintain position while splint material hardens and secure to arm (e.g. with ace wraps)
  • Wrap proximal to distal
• Apply sling to arm
• Reassess distal pulses, motor, and sensation

See Also

• Splinting