1 Treatment guidelines top
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Correction of varus angulation
The fracture is suspended over the body by a foam bandage in the form of a sling around the wrist (the “cuff”) and another around the neck (the “collar”) so that gravitational correction of angulation of the fracture is possible due to the arm’s own weight. This correction is desired in varus angulations where limited areas of cancellous bone are in contact, and is possible only with the patient in a sitting or erect position.
2 Reduction top
Correction of angulation by gravity
Reduction or, more precisely, correction of angulation by gravity is achieved by the weight of the arm, hanging freely at the side of the body.
3 Fixation with collar and cuff top
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Treatment guidelines
The collar and cuff may then be worn under or outside clothing. The patient is advised to do pendulum exercises.
4 Pearl - Collar and cuff sling for active patients top
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This sling allows earlier gentle motion and is therefore less likely to cause stiffness or skin problems. However the chance of further displacement or angulation is also higher then the broad arm sling. It is definitely not suitable for bed-bound patients where gravitational correction is eliminated. A programmed exercise and physiotherapy protocol is essential for rehabilitation for both types of sling.