Which cast is used for fracture of the neck of the humerus or recurrent shoulder dislocation?

Which cast is used for fracture of the neck of the humerus or recurrent shoulder dislocation?

• A. Abduction Splint/Airplane Cast
• B. Sugar Tong
• C. Long Arm Circular Cast
• D. Functional Cast

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the shoulder joint for a neck of the humerus fracture or recurrent dislocation relies on holding the arm in abduction to keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid and to reduce strain on the anterior structures of the capsule and ligaments. The abduction splint, also called an airplane cast, positions the arm away from the body (abduction, sometimes with slight external rotation). This alignment minimizes forces that could displace the fracture fragments or provoke another dislocation, promoting healing and joint stability. The other casts are used for different injuries: a sugar tong immobilizes the forearm and elbow, a long arm circular cast typically immobilizes the elbow and forearm, and a functional cast is designed for certain distal forearm fractures where some movement is allowed. None of these provide the specific abducted position needed to protect the shoulder joint in these injuries.

Stabilizing the shoulder joint for a neck of the humerus fracture or recurrent dislocation relies on holding the arm in abduction to keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid and to reduce strain on the anterior structures of the capsule and ligaments. The abduction splint, also called an airplane cast, positions the arm away from the body (abduction, sometimes with slight external rotation). This alignment minimizes forces that could displace the fracture fragments or provoke another dislocation, promoting healing and joint stability.

The other casts are used for different injuries: a sugar tong immobilizes the forearm and elbow, a long arm circular cast typically immobilizes the elbow and forearm, and a functional cast is designed for certain distal forearm fractures where some movement is allowed. None of these provide the specific abducted position needed to protect the shoulder joint in these injuries.