UPPER EXTREMITY RESTRAINT DURING HIP SPICA CAST APPLICATION

Control of the upper extremities of a sedated or anesthetized patient can be a cumbersome and difficult problem during hip spica cast applic ation. To overcome this, we developed a simple technique to control th e upper extremities without placing the neurovascular structures under tension while allowing easy venous access for the anesthesia personne l. Use of a simple armboard made of supplies commonly available in the cast room has made this possible. The construction and clinical use o f this armboard is described. It has been used successfully for > 12 m onths at the authors' institution with no untoward effects.