Bandaging the wrist after surgery provides multiple benefits. As outlined in the book, "Introduction to Splinting," the bandage acts as a barrier to infection, compresses the wound and immobilizes the wrist joint. These all are important in the healing process following procedures such as carpal tunnel release and wrist bone surgery. Since a bandage may be required for up to several weeks, your doctor will instruct you on how often to change it. A proper technique for wrapping the bandage will insure your wrist heals quickly.
Step 1
Orient you hand so your palm is facing up. Place 1 or 2 gauze squares, as needed, over the scar to completely cover it. This will act as a cushion underneath the bandage.
Step 2
Place the start of the bandage on the back side of your wrist, with the bandage's flap pointed in the same direction as your treated thumb. Also start about 2 inches below your wrist crease.
Step 3
Begin to wrap around the area. As you wrap the bandage, bring the windings forward, toward your wrist. Each winding should overlap two-thirds of the previous wrap. Make three to four wraps.
Step 4
Bring the bandage up and around the palm, between your thumb and forefinger. Continue around the back side of your hand and then around the palm side. Pass the bandage between your thumb and forefinger, then back down behind your hand, and make one full wrap around your wrist.
Step 5
Bring the bandage at the back of the wrist up to the hand and wrap from the back side to the palm side. Wrap again between the thumb and forefinger, and then back to the wrist.
Step 6
Continue this cross-wrapping. Observe which way the previous wrappings are diagonally oriented on either the palm side or back side of your hand, and try to create an "X" pattern on both sides.
Step 7
Terminate the wrappings with two to three wraps around your wrist. Closures are usually provided with the bandage. If not, use tape to wrap around your wrist in order to hold the end closed.
Tips and Warnings
- It is best if somebody can help get you started with the wrapping. Try to buy the bandage with either a metal strip or a Velcro closures.
- Do not wrap the bandage so tight that it restricts blood flow. If your fingers feel cold afterward, then the wrapping might be too tight.
Things You'll Need
- 2-inch-wide compression bandage
- 2, 2-by-2-inch cotton gauze squares
References
- WH Mentors: Fractures and Splinting
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Principles of Casting and Splinting
- "Introduction to Splinting: A clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving Approach"; B. Coppard and H. Lohman; 2010
