Ankle fractures can occur in almost any setting, and proper medical attention will increase the likelihood that the fracture heals quickly and properly. Because of the complex anatomy of the ankle, a fracture often is associated with other injuries (including ligament tears), and can cause excruciating pain. There also might be nerve or blood vessel ruptures, so the patient should get to a doctor as quickly as possible. Splinting the fractured ankle in place will allow you to safely move the patient without compromising the injury.
Instructions
Splint The Fracture
1. Tell the patient to remain calm. She probably will be in a great deal of pain, and if the patient is not in control of her emotions, helping her will be difficult or impossible.
2. Assess the ankle fracture, noting position of the ankle, deformities, obvious bleeding, and swelling compared to the uninjured ankle. If the bones are sticking through the skin, or if there is severe bleeding, it might be difficult or impossible to splint properly. In that case, call 911 and follow the instructions of the operator. If there is no open fracture or severe bleeding, proceed with splinting.
3. Remove the vacuum splint from the packaging and partially inflate with the attached air pump or valve. Only inflate it enough so you can mold it.
4. Position the splint beneath the ankle and wrap it around the ankle and lower leg. Secure it in place with the Velcro straps, but be very careful not to move the ankle or leg. The splint should go from mid-calf or higher to the mid-foot, and completely enclose the leg and ankle that's injured.
5. Use the air pump or valve to deflate the vacuum splint until it conforms to the shape of the ankle and becomes rigid. Use caution so the pressure does not cause the ankle to move, or increase the patient's symptoms.
6. If you are using the aluminum and foam splint, unroll and measure it to the same length (mid-calf or higher to the mid-foot). Wrap it around the back of the leg and ankle, using your fingers to mold it around the specific contours of the ankle.
7. Secure the aluminum and foam splint in place with the compression wraps. Begin at the base of the toes and wrap toward the knee, overlapping by about half each time around. Use enough tension on the wrap to secure the splint, but do not wrap so tightly the patient loses circulation or feels more pain.
8. Tuck the end of the wrap in to a previous loop when you run out on the calf. The wrap should cover the entire splint.
9. Adjust the crutches to fit the height of the patient while she is still on the ground. There are notches with specific heights written on them, which will help determine the correct length.
10. Help lift the patient slowly to her feet, supporting her weight with your body. Tell her not to put any weight at all on the injured leg. Give the patient the crutches, and have her move using the uninjured leg and crutches. Refer immediately to a physician or hospital for further evaluation.
Tags: aluminum foam, aluminum foam splint, ankle fracture, difficult impossible, foam splint, higher mid-foot