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Wearing a Cuff and Collar Sling

What is it?

 

Cuff and Collar Sling

 
This device is a type of sling that uses gravity to hold your broken bones in place. It may be used by itself or with a humeral fracture brace.
 
 
 

How do I put on the sling? 

  • In sitting, place the Velcro wrist band around your injured arm. 

  • Adjust the wrist band so that the cotton loop on the wrist band is in line with your thumb.

  • Place the adjustable strap around your neck, threading the strap through the cotton loop on the wrist band.

  • Attach the metal hook to the other end of the strap. 

  • Tighten the strap until your upper arm and lower arm are shaped like the letter “L” or at a 90-degree angle.  

  • Adjust the foam padding on the strapping around the back of your neck for pressure relief.

 

How do take the sling off?

  • Reverse the steps of putting the sling on. 

  • Bend your elbow up to release tension on the strap and unbuckle the metal hook.

 

When can I shower/bathe?

 
Once your doctor has given permission.

  • Get into the shower (with help if you need it) and sit on a chair.

  • Support your injured arm with your strong arm and remove the cuff and collar sling. 

  • Have someone help you wash/dry yourself. 

 

Caring for the sling

  • Handwash the sling as needed with mild soap and warm water. Do not place cuff and collar sling in a washing machine. 

  • Press the water out of the sling with a towel and lay the sling flat to dry. Do not put the cuff and collar sling in the dryer. 

  • When the sling is off, make sure your arm is well supported. Do not move your shoulder unless your doctor tells you to. 

  • Get into the shower (with help if you need it) and sit on a chair.

 

Dressing

 
Wear a shirt so the sling does not rub on your skin. Choose shirts that are loose or stretchy because they are easier to put on.
 

Putting on a shirt

  •  To put on a shirt, always dress your injured arm first and follow these steps:

    • Remove your sling while supporting your injured arm. Have someone help support your arm or rest your forearm on a pillow.

    • Remove the sling and bend forward at the waist.

    • Let your injured arm hang down and carefully slide the shirt onto your injured arm.

    • Push the sleeve up on your injured arm past the elbow (if possible) and pull the shirt over your head.

    • Slide your strong arm into the shirt.

 

Taking off a shirt

 

To take off a shirt, take your strong arm out of the shirt sleeve first, then reverse the steps above.
 

Wearing a bra

 

It is difficult to wear a bra with most shoulder and arm injuries. 

  • If you normally wear a bra, consider wearing a stretchy, fitting tank top or sports bra. If you really need a bra, get help to put it on.

Problems to watch for

 
Tell your healthcare provider if:

  • The sling is causing pain.

  • The sling is chafing your skin or is making your skin red, and it does not go away within 20 minutes.

  • Any part of the sling breaks.

 
 
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