A scarf bandage is one of the first aid methods for injuries, wounds, suspected fractures and other injuries. It is a triangular piece of fabric that is applied to fix the limbs. This type of bandage is necessary to immobilize certain parts of the body, as well as to fix the dressing material (compress with any medications).
Author of the article / Site experts Shulepin Ivan Vladimirovich, traumatologist-orthopedist, highest qualification category
Total work experience over 25 years. In 1994 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Medical and Social Rehabilitation, in 1997 he completed a residency in the specialty “Traumatology and Orthopedics” at the Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after. N.N. Prifova.
Why do you need a support bandage for fractures and dislocations?
The main purpose of a scarf-type bandage, made from a triangular piece of fabric, is to immobilize the injured limb until full medical care is provided.
A homemade support bandage makes it possible to reliably fix the injury. It allows you to avoid further trauma and significantly reduce pain.
The arm bandage has another important purpose. The support bandage is used when installing antitumor compresses, in the presence of large open wounds, and applying any external medications in the form of an ointment.
A simple and affordable immobilizing device at home allows you to reliably fix a dislocated shoulder, injured hand or elbow joint. It ensures the fastest healing of cut soft tissues and skin.
Preferred use of the scarf:
| Functional purpose | Description |
| Reduced mechanical load | Used for post-traumatic rehabilitation for fractures and tendon sprains. |
| Dislocated joint | The scarf bandage provides immobilization until the intervention of a traumatologist. It prevents increased pain, increased hematoma and the development of tissue swelling. |
| Severe bruises | A splint will support the injured limb until fluoroscopy is performed to ensure there is no fracture. |
| Sprained ligaments and tendons | At the time of injury, severe pain is felt. Limitation of mobility does not allow the development of the inflammatory process, swelling and hematomas. |
| Compresses | When using external medications and decongestant compresses, it is important to securely fix them in the damaged area. The supporting bandage does not allow the bandage with medications to slip off. |
A scarf bandage can not be applied to the entire limb, but only to a separate section of it that needs partial immobilization. An improvised bandage is used in addition to dressing after surgery or in cases of severe trauma to the skin and soft tissues.
Ready-made splint fixators
Ready-made arm splints can be purchased at pharmacies. Products have different sizes. If you do not select the right one, the effectiveness of the fixator is significantly reduced. Ready-made retainers can be made from different materials. For example, knitted fabric, neoprene.
For rigid fixation, products made of plastic and metal are recommended. Splints are fixed on the limb using special straps with Velcro or lacing. All clamps have a certain degree of rigidity:
- Soft splints are made from dense elastic materials. The products are designed so that the skin “breathes”. Soft clamps almost do not restrict movement, allowing you to bend the phalanges and wrist. In addition to fixation, they simultaneously perform a light massage and have a warming effect.
- A medium-hard splint works the same way, but has plastic or metal stiffening ribs. They strengthen the grip on the palm side.
- Rigid models are more often used for fractures, when complete immobility of the joints is necessary.
- A splint is one of the types of splint. The device is designed on the same principle, but allows you to increase the distance between the phalanges of the hands. Wearing such a retainer becomes more comfortable. Can secure all fingers at the same time.
Varieties of the latest modern clamps:
- Scotchcast is a bandage made of polymer material. Designed for rigid fixation. Advantages: light weight, airtightness and strength. The device does not allow moisture to pass through.
- Cellacast is made of fiberglass impregnated with polyurethane resin. The advantage is fast hardening, low weight, breathability and moisture resistance. For x-rays, removal of the clamp is not required.
- A turbocast is a thermoplastic splint. It is very convenient to use due to its flexibility and the ability to adjust parameters. The retainer has many holes, which allows the skin to breathe. The splint does not cause allergic reactions, is easily removed, and is resistant to moisture.
Fixators are contraindicated in the presence of skin lesions, ulcers, erosions, and irritations. Do not use on the site of inflamed sutures after surgery, weak scarring or bleeding.
Attention! Splints are not used for certain types of diabetes, circulatory problems or gout.
When is the arm secured with a scarf?
The use of this simple device is intended for preventive purposes. A hermetic support bandage is used by athletes to reduce the load on joints, bones and tendons. The bandage helps prevent sports injuries.
With its help, you can prevent contact of the damaged area of the hand, where the integrity of the skin is damaged, with irritating environmental factors, and prevent contamination and infection of the wound.
Such a fabric or bandage device allows you to avoid post-traumatic complications in the form of:
- displacement of a broken bone;
- development of the inflammatory process;
- swelling of the periarticular tissues during dislocations;
- painful manifestations of deforming arthrosis - a degenerative-dystrophic pathology, which is characterized by the slow destruction of intra-articular cartilage.
The support bandage ensures proper healing of the broken bone.
The arm is sometimes fixed with a scarf after installation of the endoprosthesis. This method of immobilization is effective for complex fractures – radial, displaced fractures of the shoulder joint, and others. For deforming arthrosis, a special supporting orthosis is used, which changes the structural and functional characteristics of neuromuscular fibers, the skeletal system and connective tissues. Such external immobilization devices are mass-produced and sold in medical equipment stores.
Features of the scarf, pros and cons
The main advantage of a homemade support bandage is its ease of use and ease of application to any part of the arm. It is used in emergency situations as a means of temporary immobilization.
The use of a scarf bandage can significantly reduce the time of wound treatment, which is important for complex penetrating wounds. In emergency situations and natural disasters, this makes it possible to provide assistance to the maximum number of victims.
When a fabric or bandage immobilizing device is tightly twisted, it can successfully replace a hemostatic tourniquet. The big advantage of a support bandage is its versatility.
When transporting the victim to a medical facility or emergency room, the scarf bandage on the arm may not be removed, but simply loosen a little if necessary. In an emergency, it is suitable for self-administered first aid.
You can operate such a simple medical device with one hand. Among the disadvantages of a homemade scarf bandage are insufficient fixation strength and relative fragility.
When applied correctly, the problem of weak immobilization is not significant. In addition, the device is considered temporary and is needed only until qualified medical care is provided.
If necessary, a tubular compression bandage of any diameter can be made from a scarf, as far as the size of the fabric cut allows. An important advantage of such a device is its absolute versatility.
Advantages of ORDEKT thermoplastic products:
- Apply in 10 minutes.
- Quickly removed using a zipper.
- Lightweight and rigid frame.
- It is possible to adjust the fixation (remove, heat, fix again).
- Used without backing, it does not squeeze, rub or irritate the skin.
- The beautiful thin material is comfortable to wear under clothes.
- Do not interfere with the adoption of water procedures.
- Bright colors and laconic design appeal to both adults and children.
- Not visible on x-ray (does not need to be removed before examination).
- Can be modeled in fragments.
- High quality at an affordable price.
If you still have questions, you can ask a specialist by phone or through the feedback form on the website.
To buy an arm orthosis made of high-quality low-temperature plastic in our store, place an order on the website, by calling +7 (495) 54-04-754.
The article was checked by Strakhov Maxim Alekseevich - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology-Orthopedics and Military Field Surgery of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian National Research Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia (Moscow).
Rules and techniques of application, fixation
The use of a scarf does not have strict and clearly defined medical criteria. There are several situational requirements for the use of this first aid product.
They are as follows:
- Sterility of the material. This is of particular importance when fixing and isolating open wounds.
- Wide choice of fabric. For a closed injury, you can use any available piece of material of a suitable size. To apply compression to the damaged area of the limb, it is better to choose durable and elastic fabric.
- Correct placement of the bandage knot. It should be in an uninjured area of the arm so as not to create excess pressure on injured biological tissue.
- The scarf should not put too much pressure on the hand or squeeze blood vessels unless it is used for hemostatic purposes.
Handkerchief bandage
There are 2 options for applying an immobilizing bandage - for a closed injury and an open wound. In the latter case, the surface of the skin is pre-treated with an antiseptic composition, dried with cotton wool and bandaged with sterile bandage material.
Only after these procedures can a fixing device be installed. To prevent pinching of the skin and hair on the neck, soft material is placed under the bandage.
If the immobilization effect is weak, the scarf can be strengthened with special supports made of pins installed at the desired points. The suitable cut size for the hand is 100x100 cm.
From a scarf
To properly form a scarf, a piece of fabric is folded diagonally to form a triangle. The size of the scarf depends on the application and situational need. His choice is influenced by the height and constitution of the victim’s body.
Excess material can be carefully tucked in or trimmed with scissors. It is important that the scarf is made of elastic and elastic, but not very stretchable material. The best option is cotton fabric.
From a bandage
A scarf bandage made from such a dressing material is used for preventive purposes and for rehabilitation in the postoperative period. A hand bandage is suitable for partial immobilization of dislocated joints or for isolation from external influences of open wounds.
This support bandage can be used for certain diseases of skeletal bones and neuromuscular fibers. The bandage is gauze cut into long strips. It is considered a sterile material. The cut used for bandaging purposes must be even and smooth.
How to remove plaster at home: instructions
To remove the plaster yourself, you should take a sharp knife, tailor's scissors, possibly wire cutters and water. But before this, you should still consult with a doctor not only about the removal technique, but also how to develop the limb after a fracture so that the recovery process is as easy and quick as possible.
- The easiest way is to soak the plaster cast. This can be done even without outside help.
- If you use the dry method, then you will need scissors and a sharp knife. The limb under the cast loses weight over time, so scissors can easily be passed there to make a small incision (from top to bottom) and simply pull off the fixator.
The plaster is not cut or pierced from the outside, since in this way you can miscalculate the force and plunge the point directly into the skin. This process is slow, you need to cut it into pieces. While the cast is being removed from the leg, it is better not to make sudden movements, as this can cause pain. The most difficult thing is to tear off pieces or crumbs of plaster from the hairs on the limbs. For this, lotions with warm water are used. After the cast is removed from the leg, it is worth using crutches for some time, since the muscles will have time to atrophy during this time and need to be developed.
Algorithm for applying a bandage to the arm
The fixation technique is not difficult. It depends on the area of the upper limb that is subject to partial immobilization. The damage can be localized in the area of the shoulder joint, collarbone, and hand.
The design of the first aid device consists of several parts that have their own purpose when constructing a supporting bandage for the arm:
- base - the widest part of the device, located opposite a right angle and forming a supporting plane;
- the top opposite the base and used for tying a knot;
- the ends, which are the sharp corners of the scarf;
- nodes formed to secure the structure to the body.
Any available material is suitable for providing first aid. Its type does not affect the technology of applying the bandage, unlike the area of localization of the damage.
Brush
This part of the upper limb is especially susceptible to injury. It is flexible and mobile, so there are often tendon sprains and ligament ruptures, and fractures of a relatively thin bone.
Compresses and bandages are applied to the crook of the wrist to fix and partially immobilize the injury.
The procedure is performed in the following way:
- the scarf is placed with a supporting flat base on the lower part of the forearm;
- the crook of the hand is placed palm down on the fabric;
- the top of the improvised bandage device is bent onto the back surface of the material;
- The fabric is carefully wrapped several times around the damaged area of the hand, avoiding excess pressure;
After completing the fixation procedure, the ends of the scarf are tied tightly above the wrist. To immobilize an open wound of the carpal localization, only sterile material should be used. The scarf itself can be made from gauze or cotton fabric.
If the integrity of the skin is violated, antiseptic treatment of the wound surface is first carried out. Hydrogen peroxide or another liquid of a similar purpose will do. Then a support bandage is installed.
Shoulder
This joint is often susceptible to dislocations, household and sports injuries, and excessive mechanical stress. A support bandage on the shoulder is installed for injuries and fractures of the collarbone.
The arm bandage in this installation area is distinguished by its individual fixation features. The configuration of the body causes the fabric to slip, so care must be taken to securely secure the first aid device.
The sharp ends of the scarf should be brought to the armpit and carefully inserted into it so as not to cause unnecessary pain to the victim. One top of the material is pulled under the armpit and crossed over the shoulder with the second end.
They are placed on both sides of the chest and tied with a knot at the back. Thus, the arm is pressed to the body, and the joint is qualitatively immobilized, which prevents increased pain and further injury to the limb. To isolate an open wound in the shoulder area, use 2 overlapping scarves.
Elbow
This joint is not injured very often. But sometimes there is a need to fix it or strengthen the antitumor compress. The immobilization algorithm is somewhat different from the technique for immobilizing other parts of the upper limb.
The procedure is performed as follows:
- A piece of tissue is placed below the elbow joint.
- The vertices point upward.
- The ends are crossed before wrapping the damaged area.
- Make several turns and tie the tops of the scarf with a tight knot on the inner or outer surface of the forearm.
This pre-hospital immobilization technique is used to stabilize the elbow joint for sports injuries and to secure dressings on open wounds. If necessary, you can suspend the limb using another scarf tied in a knot around the neck.
Why is it important to maintain good posture when wearing a bandage?
Correct body position improves the immobilizing effect. The support bandage, when attached to the neck, tends to pull the spine down. Correct posture will ensure normal functioning of skeletal bones and good blood circulation.
The muscles will work properly. The scarf bandage will not slip to the side if anatomically correct posture is maintained. An arm bandage may cause fatigue when worn for a long time. Correct posture to some extent neutralizes this negative effect.
Prevention
Experts recommend the following as preventive measures for carpal tunnel syndrome:
- When working at a computer, keep your arms bent at a right angle at the elbow. When working with the mouse, the hand should be straight, and support (mat, stand) is needed under the wrist;
- The work chair should have armrests so that your arms do not hang in the air;
- If your professional activity involves performing monotonous movements, you must wear a support bandage;
- During work, it is recommended to take breaks and perform gymnastics for the hands: shaking, squeezing the hands, circular rotations, pressing one palm onto the other.
Following these simple recommendations will help you avoid pinched nerves in your wrist and live a full, active life.
Carpal syndrome is a common condition in the modern world; everyone has encountered it at least once. It is important not to ignore the symptoms, but to consult a specialist in time. Prescribed treatment, coupled with regular prevention, will help you forget about pain and numbness in your hand.
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