In the event of various injuries, one of the popular methods of immobilization is the use of a plaster splint. This approach to conservative treatment has a number of advantages. To perform the procedure correctly, physicians of appropriate qualifications study the method of preparing and applying such a bandage. Its features will be discussed further.
Features of the technique
Gypsum splint is applied for significant bruises, ligament injuries. It is also used after repositioning the joints with dislocations, as well as with various types of fractures. If there are contraindications to the imposition of deaf gypsum, this technique is also used. For this, a special room is allocated in the surgical departments. It has the necessary materials and equipment for the procedure.
The application of a plaster splint has a number of advantages. It adheres tightly and evenly to the body, is easily removed and hardens very quickly. If availablefragments matched by a surgeon or traumatologist, the splint will hold them well.
Gypsum is calcium sulfate. It is well dried at a temperature of 100 to 130 ºС. Due to this, the material is well triturated, forming a white powder. Gypsum is a hydrophilic substance. So that it is not saturated with moisture, it is stored in well-closed containers made of metal or glass.
It is best to use gypsum brand M400 for medical purposes. It freezes in 10 minutes. at a temperature of 15 ºС. This period is reduced to 4 minutes if the room temperature is 40 ºС. The quality of the gypsum is checked by a series of samples. The powder should have a uniform and fine grinding. When mixed with water, the smell of hydrogen sulfide should not be emitted.
Varieties
Gypsum splint can be of two types:
- Headband lined with cotton and gauze, flannel, jersey. Has certain disadvantages. The cotton or cloth can tangle, putting pressure on the body. Insufficient fixation of fragments may also be observed. It is best to use knitwear when applying such a dressing. They protect the skin from chafing.
- Unlined headband. Applies directly to the skin. She is not lubricated with anything, her hair is not shaved off. It is important to protect protruding parts of the body from pressure.
Overlay procedure
Arm or leg in a cast, heal properly and on time. To do this, it is important to adhere to the established methodology:
- The patient is placed or seated in a comfortable position.
- The part of the body is placed on the counter, the protruding places are covered with cotton-gauze pads.
- Bandage with plaster lead in a spiral, avoiding tension. The material is not torn off the surface so that wrinkles do not form. Layers smooth with the palm of your hand.
- Above the fracture site, it is required to additionally strengthen the bandage with tours consisting of 6-12 layers of bandage.
- The fingers of the limb are left open. By their appearance, blood circulation is judged.
- The edges of the bandage are cut, turning them outwards. The roller is smoothed with gypsum gruel.
- The date of the cast is written on the bandage.
- The bandage is not covered for 3 days. The patient must know how to handle the dressing until the material is completely dry. Otherwise, he may harm himself by damaging the fixation material.
Upper limbs
If the damage is determined on the shoulder and shoulder joint, two plaster casts according to Turner are used. They are also called "crow's nest". The first part is applied from the scapula along the outer side of the limb. The back bandage is led from the forearm to the heads of the bones of the fingers. The second splint is superimposed on the first, and then it is distributed over the front surface. Fix the bandage with a regular bandage.
The elbow joint can be immobilized with one or two splints. They are applied from the upper third of the shoulder surface on both surfaces or only from above.
The forearm is immobilized with two plaster splints. Themimpose from the middle part of the shoulder to the metacarpal bones. In this case, you need to control the position of the forearm. It should be between pronation and supination. The joint should form a right angle. At the same time, the brush is set in the position of back flexion. It is checked whether the patient is comfortable in this position.
If the injury occurred on the hand, the splint is applied over the surface of the palm up to a third of the forearm.
Lower limbs
Gypsum splint for fracture of the lower leg has a U-shape. Immobilization is carried out up to the upper third of this part of the limb. In this case, the bandage should cover the splint on the sole.
In case of a knee joint injury, two bandages are applied on the sides. They start from a third of the thigh and follow to the lower 1/3 of the lower leg.
If you need to immobilize the front of the foot, apply a rear plantar bandage. It is led from the fingers to the lower 1/3 of the lower leg.
In some cases, you need to use special circular dressings. They are designed to immobilize different parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Some recommendations
You need to prepare in advance everything you need to apply a plaster splint. The bone and several adjacent joints are fixed. If damage is diagnosed in one joint, it is imposed on it and a sufficient length of the limb. It is important to place the immobilized limb in a functionally advantageous position.
When applying a bandage, a part of the body must remain absolutely motionless. It is unacceptable for the patient to move duringprocedures.
Bandaging is carried out from the periphery towards the central part. The material must not be bent. If necessary, it is cut, changing the direction of travel, and then straightened. After each layer, the bandage is carefully modeled and rubbed. So the material is well soldered, and the bandage will exactly match the contours of the body. You need to support the limb with the whole palm. It is unacceptable to use only fingers for this.
It is important that the plaster is not too tight or, conversely, loose. In order not to damage the dressing (which happens especially often in children), it is covered with shellac or a solution of this material with alcohol.
Bandages are prepared in advance, guided by the length of the limb. It is loosely folded, and then soaked and smoothed by weight. At the bends, the material is cut and one part of the material is applied to the other.
