Ankle stirrup splint

Background

• Less inversion/eversion and less plantar flexion compared to posterior splint.

Indications

• Similiar to Posterior ankle splint
• Great for ankle sprain

Procedure

Splint Application General Procedure

• Assess pre-procedure neurovascular status (i.e., distal pulse, motor, and sensation)
• Measure and prepare the splinting material
  • May use contralateral extremity if easier
  • Most splints use a width slightly greater than the diameter of the limb
• Apply stockinette (if applicable)
  • Extend 2" beyond estimated the splinting material length
• Apply padding (if applicable)
  • Use 2–3 layers over the area to be splinted / between digits (when applicable)
  • Add an extra 2–3 layers over bony prominences
• Apply splinting material
  • Lightly moisten the splinting material.
  • Place as appropriate to specific splint type
  • Once finished, if applicable fold the ends of stockinette back over the splinting material if there is excess
• Apply elastic bandaging (e.g., ace wrap)
• While still wet
  • May further mold the splint to the desired shape
  • Maintain position until splint material has hardened
• Re-check and document repeat neurovascular status

Splint-Specific Details

• Apply padding and splint material as shown in figure
  • If combining with posterior ankle splint, place posterior ankle splint first
• Splint course:
  • Start laterally 3–4 cm below the level of fibular head on one side (i.e., medial or lateral)
  • Extend under the plantar surface of foot
  • End at at other side at same hight level
• Key anatomic positions
  • Ankle should be in neutral position at 90 degrees

See Also

• Splinting