What is the primary use of a sugar tong splint?

The primary use of a sugar tong splint is to immobilize the wrist and forearm during fractures. This splint design provides support and stabilization to both the wrist and the forearm, effectively limiting movement in these areas to promote healing. The sugar tong splint curves around the forearm and wrist, anchoring the limb securely and ensuring that the fracture site remains stable during the recovery process. This immobilization is crucial for promoting proper alignment and healing of the fractured bones, as well as preventing further injury.

The other options do not accurately reflect the intended use of a sugar tong splint. For example, while the splint provides some indirect support to the ankle, its primary design focus is on the wrist and forearm. Similarly, it is not intended for shoulder dislocation stabilization or direct support of knee ligaments, which typically require different types of immobilization devices tailored specifically for those regions. Thus, the sugar tong splint plays a specific and vital role in managing wrist and forearm fractures effectively.