Back-to-Basics for Strains and Sprains: ACE Wraps, Aircast, and Velcro

​Simple ankle and wrist sprains and strains still need ACE wraps, Aircasts, Velcro wrist splints, or hard splints. Patients without fractures may still need assistive devices to help control their pain and place their injured extremity in a comfortable position while they heal. Hard splints (like Ortho-Glass) may be unnecessary. Appropriate splinting or hard casting, however, should be used to prevent further injury and decrease pain until follow-up. Strain, sprains, and even contusions do not need hard casting unless there is a high level of suspicion for missed injury, such as a Jones fracture, complicated avulsion injuries, or the nefarious scaphoid fracture.​Photo by Martha RobertsOne of the major problems we face is deciding on the right adjunctive therapy for our patients. Depending on the grade of sprain (table), patients may have greater pain or flexibility issues. More intense splinting and prolonged treatment may be indicated. Splinting items are also costly, so it's wise to be prudent with their use. Many devices do not take much time to apply, but it is still an extra step during a patient's visit.Grading of SprainsGrade 1Mild damage to a ligament or ligaments without instability of the affected joint.Grade 2Partial tear to the ligament, in which it is stretched to the point that it becomes loose.Grade 3Complete tear of a ligament, causing instability in the affected joint. Bruising may occur around the ankle.Credit: Pain Medicine. Switzerland: Springe...
Source: The Procedural Pause - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs