Take the Immobilization Techniques Quiz

Bandages and Immobilization

• The fundamental principle of traditional bandage immobilization is to restrict movement and provide support to the injured area.

Types of Bandages

• Elastic bandages are used to hold dressings on body parts such as arms, legs, chest, or abdomen.
• Compression bandages are used to apply pressure to a specific area to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Spiral wrap bandages are used to provide support and compression to joints and extremities.

Immobilization Techniques

• External fixators use devices outside the body to stabilize and hold broken bones in place.
• Internal fixators use devices implanted inside the body to stabilize and hold broken bones in place.
• The immobilization technique that uses wires, tractions, orthotics, cloves, plates, and needles is called skeletal traction.

Differences Between Bandages and Immobilization Techniques

• External fixators are different from internal fixators in that they are used outside the body, whereas internal fixators are used inside the body.
• The purpose of compression bandages is to apply pressure to reduce swelling, whereas spiral wrap bandages provide support and compression to joints and extremities.
• A figure eight wrap is different from a spiral wrap in that it is used to provide support and compression to a specific joint or area, whereas a spiral wrap provides support and compression to a longer area, such as a limb.
• The purpose of a circular bandage is to provide support and compression to a specific area, such as the torso or head.

Application of Bandages

• The correct way to apply a spiral wrap bandage is to wrap it in a spiral motion, overlapping each layer by half, to provide even pressure and support.