We need you! Join our contributor community and become a WikEM editor through our open and transparent promotion process.
Posterior ankle splint
From WikEM
(Redirected from Short-Leg Posterior)
Background
- Also know as "Short-Leg Posterior Splint"
- Adding a coaptation splint (stirrup) to the posterior splint eliminates inversion / eversion - especially useful for unstable fracture and sprains.
Indications
- Distal tibia/fibula fracture
- Tarsal/metatarsal fracture
- Reduced dislocations
- Severe sprains
- Achilles tendon rupture (equinus position)
Procedure
- Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
- Apply padding and splint material (e.g. Ortho-glass) as shown
- If patient can tolerate prone position and flexing knee to 90 degrees, will help with placement
- Flex ankle to 90 degrees unless Achilles tendon rupture
- Splint should run from plantar surface of the great toe or metatarsal heads along the posterior lower leg and ends 2 inches distal to the fibular head to avoid compression of the common peroneal nerve [1]
- Maintain position until splint material hardens and secure to leg (e.g. ace wraps)
- Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation
See Also
References
- ↑ Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html Accessed April 5, 2017