Lesson 1Clinical assessment: inspection, palpation, deformity recognition, neurovascular exam for wrist injuriesThis section explains a structured clinical exam for wrist injuries, covering inspection, palpation, deformity analysis, and focused neurovascular checks to inform imaging, reduction, 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 section lists and describes materials for wrist immobilization, including stockinette sizes, padding layers, plaster and fibreglass choices, splint boards, casting tape, and safe water prep for activation 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 section compares options for wrist fracture immobilization, explaining indications, pros, and cons of short arm casts, volar backslabs, sugar-tong splints, and thumb spica types for different injuries.
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 section covers key wrist imaging, including when to use PA, lateral, and oblique X-ray views, positioning advice, and spotting Colles, Smith, and intra-articular fracture signs 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 section reviews anatomy of distal radius, ulna, and wrist joint, relating landmarks to common fracture types, displacement patterns, and joint issues that affect reduction and immobilization.
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 section gives post-immobilization advice, covering elevation, pain relief, cast care, activity limits, urgent symptoms needing quick review, and follow-up timing for checks and imaging.
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 section details neurovascular safety checks before and after immobilization, including circulation, motor, and sensory tests for median, ulnar, and radial nerves, noting changes needing urgent attention.
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 section covers spotting compartment syndrome and acute limb ischaemia in distal forearm injuries, stressing repeat exams, key warning signs, and quick actions to stop permanent tissue damage.
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 section guides wrist immobilization step by step, from positioning and padding to slab or cast placement, moulding for alignment, and creasing for a comfortable functional 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
