Emergency and Urgent Care - Collar and Cuff

Introduction

You have sustained an injury to your shoulder, clavicle, or upper arm. Your injury requires a collar and cuff sling.

This leaflet will provide information on how to use the sling, care for it and reapply it at home.

Treatment

Collar and cuff is commonly used in the treatment of injuries to the shoulder, clavicle, and upper arm. The aim of the collar and cuff is to provide support to the arm whilst allowing the weight of the arm to provide natural traction to the fracture or injury.

It is a type of sling comprising of a long piece of supportive fabric and two Velcro pieces to construct the sling (see below).

You will be advised how long to wear the collar and cuff for during your visit and if any follow up is required.
 
It is advised that you move your wrist and hand regularly throughout the day to avoid stiffness and to remove your arm from the collar and cuff at least twice daily to bend and straighten your elbow whilst supporting the weight of your arm with the other hand.

If you are in pain, regular pain relief is advised. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be bought over the counter and are very effective at reducing localised pain and swelling.

Refer to the patient information leaflet in the medicine boxes for advice of dosage and side effects prior to taking. You may have been prescribed pain relief on your visit, if so take this as prescribed and ensure you read the leaflet before taking.

You may be advised to self-refer to physiotherapy. Follow this link for Rochdale self-referral: https://physiodirect.penninecare.nhs.uk/

Do not complete physiotherapy unless you have been advised to do so by a medical professional involved in your care.

You MUST remove the collar and cuff at night to sleep as it can be a choking hazard.

You can remove the collar and cuff at home to wash yourself, the sling or to have a rest period.

How to re-apply your collar and cuff

The collar and cuff will be fitted and explained to you during your visit to the department.

If you have removed the collar and cuff at home to wash, dress or sleep you should have kept the two Velcro loops in place.

• To reapply, place one loop up to the crease of the elbow on your injured arm. Ensure the Velcro is on the underside of the sling to avoid skin irritation
• The remainder of the sling should be placed under the armpit, across your back and over the top of the uninjured arm
• The hand of the injured arm should be put through the second loop and rest at your wrist
• Your arm should be at a 90 degree angle in the sling unless advised different by your practitioner. This may be easier to do with another person

If the Velcro loops have been accidently removed or the sling starts to feel unsupportive you can reapply the collar and cuff from the beginning.

• Start by creating a loop in the fabric using one Velcro piece
• Place this loop up to the crease of the elbow of your injured arm. Ensure the Velcro is on the underside of the sling to avoid skin irritation
• Place the remainder of the fabric underneath your armpit, across your back and over the top of the uninjured arm
• Use the second Velcro piece to create a loop in the fabric around the wrist of the injured arm 
• Your arm should be at a 90 degree angle in the sling unless advised different by your practitioner. This may be easier to do with another person

Please visit this link on the internet for a video showing the application of your collar and cuff sling:
https://vimeo.com/488585967/fba86e39df

Caring for your collar and cuff

If the sling becomes visibly dirty or starts to smell you are able to wash it. Please follow the instructions below:

• Remove your arm from the collar and cuff
• You can keep the Velcro straps in place to wash
• Hand wash in soapy water in cool water
• Rinse thorough to remove the detergent to ensure your skin does not get irritated
• Allow to air day. Do not tumble dry
• Once dry follow the instructions to reapply the collar and cuff

Work

If you do not feel capable of going to work due to either pain or reduced movement, you are able to self-certify sickness for 7 days.

You must complete a self-certification form found on the government website and give this to your employer. This entitles you to statutory sick pay from your employer for up to 7 days.

To access the link to the self-certification form please go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-sick- pay-employees-statement-of-sickness-sc2

If you feel you need longer than 7 days off work, you must contact your GP for a sick note. We cannot provide sick notes from the Urgent Treatment Centre.

If your GP is based within the Rochdale borough they will have received a notification of attendance from us detailing your diagnosis.

Possible complications

If follow up has been arranged you should attend this.

If your injury does not require follow up you will have been given an approximate recovery time during your visit to the Urgent Treatment Centre.

If the pain is ongoing despite treatment and analgesia or you experience tingling/change in sensation to the arm, please contact:

Rochdale Urgent Treatment Centre on 01706 517023.