Page 143 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps

18
Application of posterior splint

NOTE: Plaster reinforcement splint is used to strength and support the cast.
a. Place the splint in tepid water, wait for bubbles to subside and remove splint from water.
b. Squeeze the splint together to eliminate excess water.
c. Place reinforcement splint to the posterior side of the cast in line with the web spacing of
the foot and below the tibial tuberosity and laminate the splint to the cast.
NOTE: Rub with volar aspect of fingers or palm of hands and ensure that the pores on the splint are
filled in and no longer visible.
d. Maintain patient's ankle at 90 degree dorsiflexion until splint adheres to cast material.
NOTE: Instruct the patient to squash a bug with their heal of their foot or bring their toes to their nose.
Either technique will assist the patient in bringing their ankle to a 90 degree angle. The technician may
have their own preference to the above techniques.

19. Apply 2nd plaster/fiberglass roll ( repeat steps 16-17 ).
20. Mold the cast material to the lower leg.
a. Place palm of hand on the gastrocnemius muscle and apply pressure. Hold until contours
takes shape.(Refer to Figure 3-x).

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