Page 351 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
a. Place the plaster sheets in bucket of tepid water and remove when bubbles cease to rise.
b. Squeeze the sheets together to eliminate excess water.
NOTE: Do not wring the sheet, this will cause the roll to dry up quickly
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 padding over folded edges.
g. Place the padded splint on medial side of the leg from 4 inches distal to the groin to 2 inches
proximal to the malleolus.
NOTE: Nursing assistant or patient may hold splints in place.
13. Apply lateral splint to injured leg.
a. Follow step 12 a-g
b. Place the padded splint on lateral side of the leg from 2 inches distal to the greater trochanter
to 2 inches proximal to the malleolus.

14. Secure medial/lateral splint to injured leg.
a. Hold elastic roll with one hand.
b. Place the edge of the elastic bandage above the malleolus and begin wrapping around the leg
two rotations to secure the edge .
c. Continue up the leg, figure of eight around the knee, to the groin region.
d. Secure elastic bandage with clips.
e. Tape down the elastic bandage between the clips.
f. Remove the clips and dispose in trash receptacle.
15. Mold the splint to the knee/leg
a. Place the heel of one hand on the lateral aspect of the knee.
b. Place the heel of the second hand on the medial aspect of the knee.
c. Squeeze the heels of each hand together.
d. Apply firm and gradual pressure beginning at the knee and progress up and down the leg
while maintaining the knee in correct position.
CAUTION: Excessive pressure may result in further patient injury. Talk to the patient while performing
this procedure ( e. g. How do you feel?, Is the pressure too much ? )
e. Maintain patient's knee in correct position.
NOTE: Nursing assistance may be used.
f. Remove heels of each hand from splint when contours of the knee and leg have been shaped
and splint is cured.
16. Check range of motion ( ROM ) of phalanges/ ankle.
a. Have patient extend and flex toes
b. Have patient extend and flex ankle.

17. Check alignment of injured knee with goniometer.
a. Place the stationary arm of the goniometer horizontal, bisecting the femur.
b. Place the moving arm of the goniometer vertical, bisecting the fibula.
c. Place the protractor of the goniometer on the knee.
d. The knee is measured between 0-15 degrees of flexion.
NOTE: If knee is not within 0-15 degrees of flexion remove splint, go to step 11 and repeat the process.
18. Check splint dimensions.
a. The medial splint edge rest 4 inches distal to the groin and 2 inches proximal to the malleolus.
b. The lateral splint edge rest 2 inches distal to the greater trochanter and 2 inches proximal to the
malleolus.
19. 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.
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