How to Splint a Fracture of the Lower Leg

Splinting a fracture is important in reducing pain and for speeding healing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess for fracture (see "How to Assess for Fracture During First Aid").

2. Immobilize the injured leg. Any movement will be very painful and can worsen the injury.

3. Get some rigid material long enough to extend at least from above the knee to below the heel. One possibility is to cut an ensolite sleeping pad to the right length and then fold it over to increase rigidity.

4. Gather materials to tie the splint into place. Any of the following will do: pack straps, rope, clothing, belts, bandannas, triangular bandages.

5. Make sure the leg is straight.

6. Place the splinting material along the underside of the leg, so that it extends from above the underside of the knee to below the heel.

7. Fold the splinting material up around the sides of the leg.

8. Tie the splinting material into place below and above the fracture. Make sure both the knee and ankle are immobilized.

9. Place padding in any empty spaces between the splint and the leg.

10. Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site, to make sure the splint isn't too tight.

11. Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see eHows on treating fractures).

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use tent poles, trekking poles, ice axes or pack frames for splinting. Just be sure to put a lot of padding between the splint and the leg.
• Contact the Wilderness Medicine Institute or the National Outdoor Leadership School for information on wilderness medicine courses and books.
• Don't tie the splint on too tight. This could impede circulation.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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