Airplane Splint/Abduction Pillow

Recommendation: For burns crossing both the anterior and posterior axillary region, as well as burns crossing the chest and upper.

Purpose: For burns to the anterior and/or posterior axillary region in an effort to decrease the risk of contracture.

How to Apply:

1. Position the patients arm(s) into 90 degrees of abduction, 15 degrees of horizontal adduction and forearm supination (palm facing up). (Horizontal adduction can be achieved by placing a pillow underneath the patients arm.)
2. Place the airplane splint or abduction pillow underneath the axilla.
3. Fasten Velcro straps around the arm.

Recommended: Splint should be worn both pre and post grafting.

Wear Time: (STSG and Integra). Wear time is up to 20 hours per day as tolerated, with hour rests every three hours. (Rests are optional if patient can tolerate prolonged wear.) After grafting the splint should be worn at all times for five days.

Cautions: Monitor for redness, especially along the Velcro straps. Monitor also for complaints of numbness and/or tingling. If any of the above occur, discontinue use and contact P.T./O.T. In the event of skin maceration, a towel or blanket can be placed between the abduction pillow(s) and the patients skin.