Splint for Distal Radius Fracture - Apply a Short Arm Splint (Volar Splint)

Review step-by-step how to apply a short arm splint with this video! BONUS - Get a FREE Splinting Guide PDF with these same step-by-step instructions: www.orthorefre...
A swollen injured wrist will feel MUCH BETTER when splinted! A short-arm #splint or volar splint is indicated for distal radius fractures such as buckle #fracture, Colles fracture, or Smith fracture, and also injury to the carpal bones such as scaphoid fracture or perilunate dislocation (perilunate dislocation warrants emergent referral to orthopedics as well).
In this video you will learn:
1. The supplies you need to apply a short arm splint using a ready-made fiberglass splint though plaster would also be an option.
2. Positioning the patient for maximum comfort during splint application.
3. Step-by-step process to apply the splint with pearls and tips!
4. Rules and recommendations for a patient with a splint on.
Intended Audience: Physicians, NP, PA, residents, med students, NP and PA students working in Acute Care/Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine, and Family Medicine.
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[@OrthoRefresh]

Glad you found it helpful! You could definitely do a small cutout for the thumb but being Type A, I focus on cutting the distal edge on a slight angle to match the distal palmar crease (though I didn’t mention it in the video 😊)

[@johntarantino7012]

Thank you! as practicing Surgical Assistant this content is invaluable. Thanks!!! Question: Do you ever make a "cut out" in the splint material for the thumb?

[@OrthoRefresh]

You definitely can make a cut out for the thumb just make sure to pull the padding over the edge of the fiberglass. To get really specific, I don’t make a cut for the thumb but rather I cut the end of the OneStep splint on a slight angle to match the distal palmar crease! ;-)