Lesson 1Clinical assessment: inspection, palpation, deformity recognition, neurovascular exam for wrist injuriesThis lesson explains a step-by-step clinical exam for wrist injuries, covering inspection, palpation, spotting deformities, and neurovascular checks to inform imaging, reduction, and splinting 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 and describes materials for wrist splinting, including stockinette sizes, padding, plaster or fibreglass choices, splint boards, casting tape, and proper water prep for 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 compares splinting options for wrist fractures, explaining when to use short arm casts, volar backslabs, sugar-tong splints, or thumb spicas based on injury type and patient needs.
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 covers basic wrist X-rays, when to request PA, lateral, and oblique views, positioning advice, and spotting Colles, Smith, or 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, relating landmarks to typical fracture types, shifts, and joint issues that affect splinting choices.
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 provides advice for after splinting: elevation, pain relief, when to come back urgently, activity limits, cast care, and follow-up schedules for checks and X-rays.
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 flow checks before and after splinting, testing circulation, movement, and sensation for median, ulnar, and radial nerves, noting any changes needing quick 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 early compartment syndrome or blood flow loss in forearm injuries, stressing repeat checks, warning signs, and fast steps to avoid permanent 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 splinting: patient position, padding, slab placement, moulding for straight alignment, and creasing for comfortable hand use.
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
