OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Lower Extremity Splinting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying a posterior ankle splint, what is the correct foot position to maintain?
- Plantar flexion at 30 degrees
- Neutral position (90 degrees dorsiflexion) (Correct answer)
- Full dorsiflexion
- Inversion with slight plantar flexion
Correct answer: Neutral position (90 degrees dorsiflexion)
Neutral position (90-degree dorsiflexion) prevents equinus contracture and maintains proper tendon and joint alignment.
Question 2: A patient presents with a suspected Jones fracture. Which splint is most appropriate for initial management?
- Long leg posterior splint
- Short leg posterior splint with U-slab (Correct answer)
- Knee immobilizer
- Stirrup (sugar tong) ankle splint
Correct answer: Short leg posterior splint with U-slab
A short leg posterior splint with a U-slab (stirrup) provides circumferential support and immobilization appropriate for Jones fractures at the base of the fifth metatarsal.
Question 3: How many layers of cotton padding should be applied over bony prominences when splinting the lower extremity?
- Same as surrounding areas
- One layer less than surrounding areas
- Extra padding — double or more layers (Correct answer)
- No padding is needed over bony prominences
Correct answer: Extra padding — double or more layers
Bony prominences require extra padding to prevent pressure sores and skin breakdown under the rigid splint material.
Question 4: Which complication is specifically associated with a splint that is applied too tightly after an acute lower extremity injury?
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Compartment syndrome (Correct answer)
- Avascular necrosis
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Correct answer: Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling within a tight compartment increases pressure enough to compromise neurovascular supply.
Question 5: When measuring plaster splint material for a posterior short leg splint, how wide should the plaster typically be?
- 2 inches
- 3 inches
- 4 to 5 inches (Correct answer)
- 6 to 8 inches
Correct answer: 4 to 5 inches
A 4- to 5-inch wide plaster slab is standard for short leg posterior splints to provide adequate support without excessive bulk.
Question 6: A posterior long leg splint should extend from the proximal thigh to the:
- Ankle joint only
- Base of the metatarsals
- Toes (metatarsophalangeal joints) (Correct answer)
- Mid-foot
Correct answer: Toes (metatarsophalangeal joints)
A long leg posterior splint should extend to the toes to provide full immobilization and prevent distal motion.
Question 7: Which neurovascular check finding is MOST concerning immediately after applying a lower extremity splint?
- Mild warmth over the splint
- Capillary refill of 2 seconds
- Inability to wiggle toes with increasing pain (Correct answer)
- Slight swelling at the distal foot
Correct answer: Inability to wiggle toes with increasing pain
Inability to move the toes combined with increasing pain signals possible neurovascular compromise or evolving compartment syndrome requiring immediate evaluation.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Lower Extremity Splinting 2
When applying a posterior ankle splint, what is the correct foot position to maintain?