Fracture Splinting

Mike97

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Rookie here. I’m a little confused on splinting in position of function and splinting in position of fracture.

For non complicated breaks, would you reduce the fracture and splint in anatomical position?

For more complicated breaks, like open or severely deformed, would you splint in position of the fracture?

Thanks!
 

EpiEMS

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Are you looking for general rules or for protocols?

I can tell you that the general principle is to splint in the position of function unless you meet resistance. If there's resistance or pain, splint it in place.
In a case where there is an angulated fracture (particularly with decreased perfusion), you'd be doing the patient a service by gently realigning the fracture to anatomic position. However, it's not everywhere where EMS providers are permitted to do this, though it is becoming more common, from what I can see.
 
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Mike97

Mike97

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Yes general principles. I know protocols vary.
 
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