How to apply an above elbow backslab - Orthocycle Foundation

This video from the orthocycle charity demonstrates how to apply an above elbow backslab for an acute injury. This type of backslab is useful for a both bone forearm fracture, or a radial shaft with or without distal radio-ulnar injury (Galeazzi fracture-subluxation) or an ulnar shaft or proximal fracture with or without proximal radio-ulnar injury (Monteggia fracture-subluxation).
The plaster helps to relieve pain, and stabilises the fracture but is only a temporising measure. The definitive treatment is internal fixation with dynamic compression plates, or, if open surgery is not possible, a complete above elbow cast.
This video is for medical, nursing and allied health professionals. It is useful to have an assistant to hold the hand elevated so that the elbow is at right angles during application of the plaster slab.
This is not a replacement for hands on training, but will prepare you for any practical courses. You will find that everyone has their own way of applying a plaster. The principles remain the same.
If you apply a plaster, you are responsible for ensuring that there is adequate monitoring and safety checks on a patient afterwards, and we do not take responsibility for any complications that may occur in your practice.
This is one of a series of videos on plastering techniques.