Which statement accurately describes sling use in the prone position?

• A. The forward forearm angle must be exactly 30 degrees.
• B. The sling is never used in the prone position.
• C. The forward forearm angle may not form an angle less than 30 degrees from the horizontal.
• D. The forearm angle must be greater than 90 degrees.

Answer: (C)

In sling use while in the prone position, keeping the forward forearm at least 30 degrees away from the horizontal helps protect the shoulder and maintain proper alignment. If the forearm angle is closer to horizontal than 30 degrees, the sling may fail to support the arm adequately, potentially causing poor shoulder positioning, increased strain on the neck or upper chest, or instability of the arm. Requiring a minimum angle ensures the sling carries the arm rather than letting it rest in a position that could compress structures or lead to improper scapular alignment. Exact 30 degrees isn’t a fixed requirement—it's about not going below that 30-degree threshold. An angle greater than 90 degrees would be unnecessarily extreme and could disrupt balance and comfort. Slings can be used in the prone position when appropriate, so saying it’s never used isn’t accurate.