Page 337 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps

12. Measure patient's injured knee w/ goniometer
a. Place the stationary arm of the goniometer parallel to the femur.
b. Place the moving arm of the goniometer parallel to the fibula
c. Place the protractor of the goniometer on the lateral aspect of the patella
d. Set the knee until the goniometer measures between 0-15 degrees of flexion.

13. Apply posterior splint to injured leg.
a. Hold each end of the triple thickness of plaster sheets, place in bucket of tepid water and
remove when bubbles cease to rise.
b. Squeeze the splint together.
NOTE: Squeezing the roll together equally distributes the water. Wringing the roll quickens the drying
time of the splint and may cause the plaster not to cure.
c. Place the plaster sheets centered and 1/2 inch from the edge of the padding.
d. Laminate plaster splint.
e. Fold over the edges of the padding.
f. Place additional layer of webril padding over folded edges.
g. Place the padded splint on posterior side of the leg 4 inches from the groin( gluteal crease) to
the tips of the toes.
14. Apply medial/ lateral splint to injured leg.
a. Follow step 12 a-f.
b. Place the padded splint on medial side of the leg 4 inches distal to the inguinal space around
the ankle up the lateral side of the leg resting opposite from start.

15. Secure long double sugar tong splint to injured leg.
a. Hold elastic bandage with one hand.
b. Place the edge of the elastic bandage above the malleolus and begin wrapping around the
malleolus two rotations to secure the edge.
c. Fold down and hold excess ends of the padding while continuing to wrap the bandage until the
padding is completely covered.
d. Secure elastic bandage with clips.
e. Tape down the elastic bandage in between the clips.
f. Remove the clips and dispose in trash receptacle.

16. Mold the splint to the ankle/leg
a. Place palm of hand on the gastrocnemius and apply pressure. Hold until contours takes shape.
b. Place lateral aspect of both thumbs on the malleolus and apply even pressure. Hold until
contours take shape.
c. Place palm of hand on the calcaneus and apply pressure. Hold until contour takes shape.
d. Place lateral aspect of both thumbs on the knee and apply even pressure. Hold until contours
take shape.
e. Place palm of hand on the plantar arch and apply pressure. Hold until contour takes shape.
f. Place pillow under splinted leg.

17. Check range of motion ( ROM ) of phalanges by having the patient extend and flex toes.
18. Check alignment of injured ankle with goniometer.
a. Place the stationary arm of the goniometer parallel bisecting the fibula.
b. Place the moving arm of the goniometer parallel bisecting the 5th Metatarsophalangeal joint
(MTPJ).
c. Place the protractor of the goniometer on the lateral malleolus.
d. The goniometer should measure 90 degrees of dorsiflexion.
NOTE: If the malleolus is not at 90 degrees of dorsal flexion, everted or inverted , remove splint and go
to step 8.

19. Measure patient's injured knee w/ goniometer( go to step 12)
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