1. Crutches, Splinting, and Slings
Objectives:
-Understand why crutches are used
-Understand how to fit crutches
-Understand different ambulation types with crutches
-Understand and demonstrate proper way to splint fracture

2. Crutches Uses Types of Ambulation Non weight bearing (NWB)
Ex: Surgery, fracture/dislocation, painful ambulation secondary to injury
Partial weight bearing
Ex: mild injury (too much pain with normal walking), progression from NWB
Types of Ambulation
Three point gait (most common)
Four point gait

3. Crutches and Stairs “Up with the good” “Down with the bad”
Good= unaffected leg
“Down with the bad”
Bad= affected leg/crutches

4. Crutch Fitting Quick Fit Stand Tall (with shoes) Measure from axilla
1 inch or 3 fingers
Measure from toes
2 inches up, 6 inches out
Elbow Flexion
30 degrees

5. Single Crutch or Cane Should be on ________________ side of body?
Moves with affected leg

6. Splinting Used to immobilize an area Types of Splints
Ex: surgery, fracture/dislocation, severe injury not fitting categories above
Types of Splints
Cast
Vacuum Splint
SAM splint
Anything rigid
ambulance/images/photo/Vacuum%20Splint%202.jpg

7. Splinting General Rules
For fracture/dislocation, splint in position found (can move distal aspect if does not aggravate injury)
Try to splint above and below area affected
Check capillary refill before and after applying splint and bandage
Nail
Tip of finger with polished nails

8. Sling Used for upper extremity injuries requiring immobilization
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Used for upper extremity injuries requiring immobilization
Sometimes combined with splinting
Arm should rest across body (90 degrees) or hand to level of the heart