How to Splint a Fractured Elbow in the Wilderness

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Assessment

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. Assess the angle between the forearm and the upper arm. If it is 90 degrees or less, simply put the arm in a sling (see "How to Make a Sling for an Injured Arm") and proceed with further treatment for the fracture (see related eHows on treating fractures).
4. Make a splint for the elbow if the angle of the elbow is greater than 90 degrees.

Splint the Elbow

5. Find some rigid, yet flexible, material long enough to extend at least from the middle of the lower arm to the middle of the upper arm. One possibility is to cut an Ensolite sleeping pad to the right length and then fold it over to increase rigidity.
6. Gather materials to tie the splint into place. Any of the following will do: pack straps, rope, clothing, belts, bandannas, triangular bandages.
7. Put a wad of clothing, or some other soft material, into the injured person's hand to maintain it in position of function.
8. Place the splinting material along the upper and lower arms, bending it around the elbow.
9. Fold the splinting material up around the sides of the forearm and upper arm.
10. Tie the splinting material into place below and above the elbow.
11. Place padding in any empty spaces between the splint and the arm.
12. Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture sight, to make sure the splint isn't too tight.
13. Tie the injured arm to the torso to stabilize it further, again being careful not to cut off circulation.
14. Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see related eHows on treating fractures).

Tips & Warnings

• Don't tie on the splint too tightly. This could impede circulation.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.