Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 5, 2026

Sling (medicine)

A sling or arm sling is a device to limit movement of the shoulder and elbow, or protect the hand while an injury heals, made of cloth or a similar material. The sling normally holds the forearm against the body, horizontally or higher. A triangular bandage or simply a strip of cloth may be used as a sling. Various purpose-made slings are available, ranging from simple strips to felt slings made to cushion the arm from elbow to wrist, with a neck strap, often using hook-and-loop fasteners on a felt body.

Last revised
Aug 5, 2026
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≈ 1 min
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Wikipedia ↗
Sling
An arm sling on a person's right hand
Other namesArm sling

A sling or arm sling is a device to limit movement of the shoulder and elbow, or protect the hand while an injury heals,1 made of cloth or a similar material. The sling normally holds the forearm against the body, horizontally or higher.2 A triangular bandage1 or simply a strip of cloth may be used as a sling. Various purpose-made slings are available, ranging from simple strips to felt slings made to cushion the arm from elbow to wrist, with a neck strap, often using hook-and-loop fasteners on a felt body.3

References

References

  1. "How To Make An Arm Sling". St John Ambulance. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  2. "Slings and bandages". University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. 14 February 2023. Article describing broad arm, poly, and high arm slings, with advice on use.
  3. "Arm slings". Amazon. Retrieved 13 July 2025. Page illustrating a variety of commercially available slings.