TEN-360: Orthopaedic Plastering 2026

For Medical Officers, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics

In this workshop we explore how to apply plaster splints and casts to manage a wide range of upper and lower limb orthopaedic injuries. A major focus is the hand on practising of a range of plaster techniques with the aim of being able to apply a splint that minimises the risk of discomfort to the patient (eg from local irritation or unnecessary restriction of movement distal and proximal to the injury), plaster failure due to poor technique and complications due to local pressure areas (beneath the plaster) and compartment syndrome. We will also consider the importance of selecting the correct splint for the injury. There are, for example a variety of splints that can be used for the wrist or hand injury including the dorsal backslab, volar splint, the ulna gutter and the thumb spica. The workshop covers the knowledge required to select the most appropriate splint for a particular injury and consider discharge advice and follow up for the patient.

Splints that will be taught and practised in the workshop include: Dorsal Backslab (upper limb), Volar splint, Ulna Gutter splint, Thumb spica, Scaphoid Splint and Dorsal backslab (lower limb). A range of other splints and casts may be discussed/demonstrated depending on the experience of the group.

Credentialling for Advanced Nursing Practice

The program meets the SA Health training requirement for nurses wishing to become credentialled in advanced practice nursing practice. Upon completion of the workshop training, the nurse is required to undertake 5 "observed" plaster splints on patients with acute limb injury and have these verified by a clinician skilled in splinting.