Lesson 1Clinical assessment: inspection, palpation, deformity recognition, neurovascular exam for wrist injuriesThis lesson explains a step-by-step clinical check for wrist injuries, covering inspection, palpation, spotting deformities, and neurovascular tests to inform imaging needs, reduction choices, and immobilization plans.
Inspection for swelling, deformity, and skin breaksPalpation of distal radius, ulna, and carpal bonesAssessing active and passive wrist and finger motionScreening for open fractures and skin compromiseFocused neurovascular exam before immobilizationLesson 2Materials list specific to wrist immobilization: stockinette sizes, padding layers, plaster vs fiberglass rolls, splint boards, casting tape, water temp and mixingThis lesson lists materials needed for wrist immobilization, explaining stockinette sizes, padding layers, plaster versus fiberglass choices, splint boards, casting tape, and proper water temperature for safe mixing and moulding.
Selecting stockinette width and lengthChoosing padding thickness and overlapPlaster versus fiberglass: pros and consUse of splint boards and support surfacesWater temperature, mixing, and setting controlLesson 3Immobilization choices: indications for short arm cast, volar backslab, sugar-tong splint, and thumb spica variantsThis lesson reviews immobilization options for wrist fractures, covering when to use short arm casts, volar backslabs, sugar-tong splints, or thumb spica types based on injury patterns, pros, and cons.
Indications for short arm circumferential castsWhen to use a volar backslab for wrist injuriesSugar-tong splints for forearm rotation controlThumb spica variants for scaphoid involvementAdjusting choice for swelling and patient factorsLesson 4Imaging basics: indications for X-ray views (PA, lateral, oblique) and recognizing Colles, Smith, intra-articular fracturesThis lesson introduces key wrist X-rays, including when to order PA, lateral, and oblique views, patient positioning, and spotting features of Colles, Smith, and joint fractures to guide treatment.
Indications for wrist radiographs after traumaPositioning for PA, lateral, and oblique viewsRadiographic signs of Colles fracturesRadiographic signs of Smith fracturesIdentifying intra-articular step-off and gapLesson 5Anatomy of the distal radius, distal ulna, wrist joint, and common fracture patternsThis lesson reviews anatomy of the lower radius, ulna, and wrist joint, relating landmarks to typical fracture types, shifts, and joint issues that shape reduction and immobilization approaches.
Bony anatomy of distal radius and distal ulnaRadiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint structuresMuscle and tendon forces affecting displacementExtra-articular versus intra-articular fracturesTypical Colles, Smith, and Barton fracture patternsLesson 6Post-immobilization instructions: elevation, analgesia, signs to return, activity restrictions, cast care and follow-up timingThis lesson covers advice after immobilization, including limb elevation, pain relief, cast care tips, activity limits, warning signs needing quick return, and follow-up schedules for checks and scans.
Elevation techniques to reduce swellingAnalgesia planning and adjunct measuresCast care, hygiene, and skin protectionActivity restrictions and work or sport adviceWarning signs and follow-up schedulingLesson 7Neurovascular safety checks: baseline and post-application circulation, motor and sensory tests for median, ulnar, radial nerve distributionThis lesson details nerve and blood vessel checks before and after immobilization, including circulation, movement, and sensation tests for median, ulnar, and radial nerves, noting changes for urgent action.
Baseline capillary refill and pulse assessmentMedian, ulnar, and radial motor testing stepsLight touch and two-point discrimination mappingPost-application neurovascular reassessmentDocumenting findings and escalation triggersLesson 8Compartment syndrome and acute limb ischemia recognition in distal forearm injuriesThis lesson teaches spotting compartment syndrome and sudden blood flow loss in forearm injuries, stressing repeat checks, key warning signs, and fast steps to avoid permanent tissue harm.
Pathophysiology in distal forearm traumaPain, paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness, paralysisComparing soft compartments and contralateral limbMonitoring after reduction and immobilizationUrgent escalation and fasciotomy indicationsLesson 9Step-by-step application: positioning, padding technique, slab/cast placement, molding for alignment, creasing for functional positionThis lesson walks through wrist immobilization steps, from positioning and padding to placing slabs or casts, moulding for proper alignment, and creasing for a comfortable working position.
Patient and limb positioning for wrist immobilizationPadding techniques for bony prominences and skinSlab versus circumferential cast application stepsThree-point molding for fracture alignment controlCreasing cast for functional wrist and finger position
