sling

Upper arm cast with arm sling

A sling ( engl. Sling ) is a medical tool for immobilizing the arm on injuries , diseases / inflammation or after operations .

The best known is the triangular shawl from first aid . In addition to this acute measure immediately after injuries and accidents, arm (stretcher) slings are also used for actual treatment or to support healing as directed by the doctor . This can be the case, for example, with plaster casts , in particular with an upper arm cast . In the case of inflammation, for example epicondylitis (“tennis elbow ”), immobilization in an arm sling can provide relief; also with other irritation and overload symptoms in the shoulder or elbow .

In addition to the well-known triangular scarves, u. a. Ready-to-use pocket-like arm slings in various sizes for use. There are also prefabricated straps and straps that can be customized. Some doctors and hospitals do without prefabricated materials and manufacture arm slings and backpack bandages themselves from bandage tubes filled with padding cotton . Even if the use of an arm sling is pleasant for discomfort in the shoulder or arm, this should not be done without a visit to the doctor, as immobilization of the shoulder can lead to the secondary form of the frozen shoulder (partial joint stiffening), which leads to additional discomfort and further treatment ( Physiotherapy ).

literature

• Hanns-Peter Scharf et al. (Editor): Orthopedics and trauma surgery. Verlag Elsevier, Urban & Fischer, 2008, ISBN 3-437-24400-0 , p. 473.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !