OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Lower Extremity Splinting 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying a posterior knee splint for a patellar tendon rupture, the knee should be immobilized in:
- Full flexion (90 degrees)
- 30-degree flexion
- Full extension (0 degrees) (Correct answer)
- 15-degree hyperextension
Correct answer: Full extension (0 degrees)
Full extension reduces tension on the ruptured patellar tendon and approximates the torn ends for optimal healing.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the function of the stockinette layer in lower extremity splinting?
- Provides rigid structural support to the splint
- Protects skin from direct contact with padding and splint material (Correct answer)
- Acts as the primary padding layer
- Prevents the patient from removing the splint
Correct answer: Protects skin from direct contact with padding and splint material
Stockinette is a soft tubular knit fabric applied first to protect the skin from padding materials and reduce irritation.
Question 3: For an acute Achilles tendon rupture, the initial splint position for the foot and ankle is:
- Neutral (90 degrees)
- Slight dorsiflexion (100 degrees)
- Plantar flexion (20–30 degrees) (Correct answer)
- Maximum plantar flexion (50 degrees)
Correct answer: Plantar flexion (20–30 degrees)
20–30 degrees of plantar flexion approximates the ruptured Achilles tendon ends, reducing gap and promoting healing.
Question 4: When molding a short leg posterior splint, you should mold it while the plaster is still:
- Completely dry and rigid
- Setting but still pliable (doughy stage) (Correct answer)
- Just removed from water before any reaction begins
- Fully exothermic and hot
Correct answer: Setting but still pliable (doughy stage)
The doughy stage provides the ideal consistency for molding to the limb contour before the plaster sets completely.
Question 5: A patient with a proximal tibia fracture being splinted with a long leg posterior splint should have the knee positioned in:
- Full extension
- 5–10 degrees of flexion (Correct answer)
- 30–45 degrees of flexion
- 90 degrees of flexion
Correct answer: 5–10 degrees of flexion
5–10 degrees of knee flexion relaxes the posterior capsule and prevents hyperextension while keeping the limb in a functional position.
Question 6: Which instruction is MOST important to give a patient discharged with a lower extremity splint?
- Apply heat to the splint if it feels uncomfortable
- Return immediately if increasing pain, numbness, or color changes occur (Correct answer)
- Remove the splint nightly for hygiene
- Bear full weight on the splint as tolerated
Correct answer: Return immediately if increasing pain, numbness, or color changes occur
Increasing pain, numbness, and color changes are warning signs of neurovascular compromise that require urgent reassessment.
Question 7: How many layers of plaster are typically used for a lower extremity posterior splint slab to achieve adequate strength?
- 4–6 layers
- 8–12 layers (Correct answer)
- 14–16 layers
- 20+ layers
Correct answer: 8–12 layers
8–12 layers provide sufficient structural rigidity for lower extremity posterior splints while balancing weight and drying time.
OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Lower Extremity Splinting 4
When applying a posterior knee splint for a patellar tendon rupture, the knee should be immobilized in: