How to Use a Splint for a Fractured Wrist

Fractured wrists can be sensitive to slight movements. You need to care for them properly to avoid further injury. If the fracture is not that severe, you can place it in a sling or splint using a fiberglass cast. If the fracture is more serious, you may have to undergo surgery. To make sure that you care for your broken wrist, you need to follow the proper guidelines for applying a splint.

Things You'll Need

• Old magazine
• Soft cloth
• Splint material
• Gauze
• Athletic tape
• Padding

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest your hand on the table with the palm facing up.

• 2

  Get an old magazine and place it above your wrist, extending past the tips of your fingers. Make sure the magazine is thick or stiff enough to prevent you from bending your wrist. Keep your wrist straight and your hand open.

• 3

  Place a soft cloth in the palm of your hand, and curl up your fingers to grab onto the piece of cloth. This will keep your hand in the "position of function."

• 4

  Position the splint under your wrist and hand until it extends above your wrist, moving past the tip of your fingers.

• 5

  Secure the splinting material around your wrist's sides by folding it and wrapping gauze onto your hand and wrist. Wrap the gauze from your wrist to your hand until the splinting material is well secured.

• 6

  Seal it with athletic tape and place extra padding in the gaps between your hand or wrist and the splint.