Page 227 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

APPLY A LONG LEG SPLINT
081-834-0035
Conditions: Given an orthopaedic patient requiring a Long Leg Splint (LLS ) sitting or supine on a
orthopaedic examination bed, nursing personnel, physician, family member, physician's verbal or written
order, patient's medical record, or Standard Form 513(consultation form), pen , work cart/station, (5) rolls
of 6 inch plaster, box of 5 x 30 inch plaster reinforcement sheets, (5) rolls of 6 inch webril, (5) elastic
bandages, examination gloves, scissors, roll of 2 inch adhesive tape, (4) hospital pads (chux), (2) bed
sheets, pillow, disposable paper shorts, goniometer, ruler, tape measure, bucket of tepid water w/
plastic bag, thermometer, cast care booklet or equivalent, box of alcohol pads, damp wash cloth or
towel, sink w/ faucet, orthopaedic bump, 1 pair of crutches and trash receptacle.

Standards: Is reached when a posterior splint is secured to the patient's injured leg with (3) elastic
bandages from the tips of the toes to 4 inches distal to the groin. The ankle is in neutral position( 90
degrees of dorsiflexion), absent of inversion or eversion, with toes having full range of motion. The knee
is flexed between 0-15 degrees. Capillary refill test is administrated to the toes and passed successfully.

Performance Steps

1. Receive the order from the physician (review if in writing).
2. Identify yourself to patient.
NOTE: Tell the patient your name and job title.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient.
NOTE: The Long Leg splint is applied from the tips of the toes to 4 inches distal to the groin with the
ankle in neutral position( 90 degrees dorsiflexion ) and knee flexed between 0-15 degrees. The toes will
have full range of motion.

CAUTION: During the splinting application a chemical response(exothermic reaction) will occur between
the water(H2O) and the plaster ( gypsum). This is a safe and common occurrence. The cast will initially
become warm and cool down within 2-5 minutes. However, if it doesn't cool down or there is an increase
of heat intensity during the cast application, the cast may need to be removed.

4. Inspect patient's injured leg/ankle .
a. Place examination gloves on hands.
CAUTION: Always practice Body Substance Isolation (BSI) prior to applying traction, splints or casts to
patients.
b. Place patient supine on the examination bed.
c. Remove patient's shoes and socks from both feet and pant leg on injured side.
NOTE: Provide patient with paper shorts or hospital scrubs. If unavailable, cut the pants at the seam.
d. Check patient's injured leg for any skin conditions ( e. g. cuts, abrasions, lacerations and skin
rashes ).
NOTE: Inform physician if conditions are present and follow physician's order.
e. Examine both legs for jewelry and remove if found.
NOTE: All jewelry must be removed. Give jewelry to family member or secure with patient's belongings
in NCOIC office

5. Check patient's capillary refill.
a. Squeeze patient's toes and nail beds will turn white .
b. Release patient's toes and nail beds will return pink.
CAUTION: If capillary refill is delayed for more than 2 seconds inform physician and follow physician's
instruction.
224