Casting acute fractures. Part 3--The volar slab

Injury to the wrist or distal forearm is extremely common. An initial plaster of Paris volar splint is often required for effective immobilisation and patient comfort.

The specific technique required for rapid application of a strong and comfortable plaster of Paris volar slab is demonstrated. The reader should be able to reproduce a similar slab.

A standard construction method details required materials, slab outline, desired cast parameters, limb position during application, ideal functional position of the wrist and simple techniques used to mould the slab to the forearm and palm. This slab achieves wrist immobilisation and maximum comfort while maintaining reasonable function of the injured limb.