The Pediatric Arm Sling is a specialized orthosis designed to provide comfortable immobilization for a child’s arm and shoulder. It is engineered to fix the arm in a desired therapeutic position, offer glenohumeral (shoulder joint) stability, and crucially, reduce the weight of the arm, particularly when supporting a plaster cast. Its soft, durable construction and child-friendly design make it an essential tool for effective pediatric recovery.
Key Benefits:
- Maintains Therapeutic Positioning: Securely holds the child’s arm in an optimal position, typically with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, which is vital for reducing pain and allowing proper healing of fractures, sprains, or post-surgical sites.
- Provides Glenohumeral Stability: By supporting the weight of the arm, the sling helps to stabilize the shoulder joint, protecting it from unwanted movements that could disrupt healing or cause further injury.
- Supports Weight of Casted Arm: It is specifically designed to bear the additional weight of a forearm cast (plaster or fiberglass), preventing the cast from pulling on the shoulder and causing significant neck and shoulder fatigue or pain.
- Restricts Upper Extremity Movement: Limits the child’s overall arm and shoulder motion, creating a protected environment that is essential for the uninterrupted healing of bones, ligaments, and tendons.
Ideal For:
This pediatric arm sling is recommended for:
- Supporting a forearm in a plaster or fiberglass cast.
- Recovery from arm or clavicle (collarbone) fractures.
- Shoulder subluxations or dislocations.
- Post-operative immobilization of the arm or shoulder.
- Soft tissue injuries such as severe sprains or strains.
Features:
- Pediatric-Specific Design: Anatomically sized and designed to comfortably and securely fit a child’s frame.
- Padded Shoulder Strap: Features a wide, soft pad that distributes weight evenly across the shoulder, preventing pressure points and neck strain.
- Adjustable Fit: A simple and secure hook-and-loop strapping system allows for easy adjustment to achieve the correct arm height and fit.
- Comfortable, Durable Fabric: The sling pouch is made from a soft yet sturdy fabric that is gentle on the skin and durable enough for daily wear.
- Child-Friendly Design: Often available in appealing colors or patterns to help improve a child’s willingness to wear the support consistently.
How to Use:
- Gently place the child’s forearm into the sling pouch, ensuring the elbow is seated comfortably in the back corner.
- Drape the strap over the shoulder opposite the injured arm and across the back.
- Adjust the strap length so the arm rests at approximately a 90-degree angle, with the hand slightly elevated above the elbow.
- Secure the hook-and-loop fastener. The fit should be secure but not uncomfortably tight on the neck or shoulder.
How to Care:
- Hand wash the arm sling in cool water using a mild soap.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Allow the sling to air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
Material:
- Pouch and Straps: A durable yet comfortable fabric blend (polyester, cotton blend).
- Padding: Soft, high-density foam for the shoulder pad.
- Fasteners: Medical-grade hook-and-loop (Velcro) for a secure and adjustable closure.
