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Slings, Braces, Splints and Casts

  • You may be issued with a sling or brace to protect your arm
  • Your therapist will show you how to fit and care for your brace
  • They will also show you how to wash and dress and tell you whether or not you must wear the sling at night

 


Polysling

  • A commonly used sling
  • If we need to prevent rotation you will be asked to wear the waist belt
  • You can adjust the straps for comfort

 


Collar And Cuff Sling

  • Used to ‘hang out’ a proximal humerus or humeral shaft fracture
  • The weight of your arm pulls down to help align the fragments as they heal
  • Your wrist needs to be above your elbow
  • Avoid resting your elbow on anything

 


External Rotation Brace

  • Holds arm 20° externally rotated
  • After first-time dislocation reduces re-dislocation rate by 36%
  • Also after posterior labral repairs 

 


 Abduction Brace

  • Holds arm 20° away from side 
  • After rotator cuff repairs reduces tension on repair and improves comfort

 


Showering with a cast

  • Waterproof protective covers to allow showering are available online (Amazon approx. £14)

 


Forearm Cast

  • Used to immobilise wrist fractures
  • Maybe fibreglass or Plaster of Paris

 


Above Elbow Cast

  • Used to immobilise forearm fractures (commonly in children)
  • Sometimes used temporarily after elbow surgery to allow wound healing (2 weeks)
  • Maybe fibreglass or Plaster of Paris

 


Futuro Wrist Splint

  • Used to immobilise a painful or injured wris
  • Removable and adjustable
  • Some models include the thumb