How to Splint a Fractured Kneecap in the Wilderness

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

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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

2. Immobilize the injury: Any movement is not only very painful but also can worsen the injury.

3. Find some rigid yet flexible material long enough to extend from the hip to the ankle. 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 (hamstring), so that it extends from the hip to the ankle.

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

8. Tie the splinting material into place below and above the knee.

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

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

11. Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see related 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 tightly. This could impede circulation.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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