SplintBox Posterior Slab Splint/A-Frame Splint (PSS) Instructions
1. Open the SplintBox PSS, unfold the plastic liner, remove and set items aside.
2. Fold the plastic liner over the edges of the box in order to create a dipping reservoir for the plaster. Fill the box up with warm water.
3. Wrap the hand, wrist, forearm, and up the upper arm to the level of the axilla with cotton rolls. The splint should stop short of the metacarpal heads to allow active range of motion of the fingers. You should aim to have >50% overlap or enough padding with the cotton so that the skin is protected from the plaster. Make sure to pad pressure points (olecranon and ulnar border) with extra cotton and avoid wrinkles to prevent potential pressure sores or ulcers.
4. Rip the pre-fabricated plaster slab (4”x32”) to desired length. The splint will extend from the posterior aspect of the upper arm over the olecranon and down the ulnar border and past the wrist (if immobilizing the wrist).
4a. If needing more stability, the A-Frame plaster slab (4”x15”) can be added which will span the elbow either on the radial or ulnar side, extending from the mid-forearm to the mid-upper arm. Tear this to the desired length as well.
5. Submerge the plaster slab(s) in the dipping reservoir, starting with the posterior slab first. Wring it out and slide between your index and long finger so that the holes are no longer visible in the plaster slab. Repeat with the A-Frame plaster slab if applicable. Make sure the plaster is off skin. Provisionally secure the plaster with cotton rolls.
6. Wrap with the elastic bandage, starting distally and moving proximally. At the level of the hand you can use scissors to create a hole in the elastic bandage for the thumb. Mold as needed. Allow the plaster to fully harden.
7. Place solidifier in the dipping reservoir and then pull the plastic liner out, tie-up, and dispose. Break down the dipping reservoir box and recycle.
