Sling And Swathe Splint

Other Names

Illustration of the sling (A) and with the swathe added (B)

Illustration of the sling and swathe

Prefabricated sling and swathe

• Shoulder Sling and Swathe
• Prefabricated sling and swathe

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Background

• This page describes how to make the sling and swathe
• It is used to both support the arm and immobilize the shoulder
• This is an alternative to a shoulder immobilizer
• Commercial or prefabricated versions exist

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Indications

• Shoulder Dislocation after closed reduction
• Humerus fractures after splinting
• Acromioclavicular joint separation
• Clavicle Fracture
• Forearm or elbow injuries after splinting (a sling without the addition of the swathe is adequate)

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Contraindications

• None

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Procedure

Equipment

• Shoulder Sling
  • Can improvise with a cravat, sheet, etc
• Elastic wrap (4 inch)

Ultrasound Findings Technique

• Patient Position
  • Maintain the elbow at 90° flexion
  • The wrist in neutral position
  • Palm facing the trunk
• Sling
  • Place the olecranon into the corner of the sling.
  • Wrap the strap across the neck on the opposite side and attach to the front of the sling.
  • Adjust the length of the strap to support the arm in order to maintain the elbow at 90° flexion.
• Elastic Wrap (Swathe)
  • Wrap the elastic wrap horizontally around the outside of the sling
  • Around the trunk under the unaffected arm to secure the arm to the trunk
• Check distal neurovascular status

Pearls and Pitfalls

• Make sure the sling is long enough to support the wrist

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Aftercare

• Depends largely on the pathology being treated
• Arrange appropriate follow up

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Complications

• Ulnar nerve injury
  • Compression may result if the sling is too short, allowing the wrist to hang out of the sling
• Adhesive Capsulitis
  • If worn for too long, frozen shoulder can occur

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See Also

• Procedures Main
• Splinting Main

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