Splint (medicine)

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Capener finger splint

A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine. It can be
used:

 By the emergency medical services or by volunteer first responders, to immobilize a

fractured limb before the transportation; it is then a temporary immobilization;
 By allied health professionals such as occupational
therapists, physiotherapists and orthotists, to immobilize an articulation (e.g. the
knee) that can be freed while not standing (e.g. during sleep).
 By athletic trainers to immobilize an injured bone or joint to facilitate safer
transportation of the injured person.
 By emergency room physicians to stabilize fractures or sprains until follow-up
appointment with an Orthopedist.
In most ERs, a fibreglass splinting material, called Orthoglass, is commonly used for
several reasons.

 It is clean, unlike most plaster splinting materials

 It comes in rolls and can be easily measured and cut according to the patient's
dimensions.
 It comes pre-padded, which saves time and energy trying to roll out padding.
 It dries in about 20 minutes, and there are no risks for burns involved.
A nasal splint helps control bleeding and provide support in certain cases where the
nose bone is broken.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Commonly Used
Splints

• 2 Assisted cough
technique

• 3 Origins

• 4 See also

• 5 External links

[edit]Commonly Used Splints

 Sugar Tong
 Ulnar Gutter
 Volar Wrist Splint
 Thumb Spica
 Posterior Lower Leg
 Posterior Full Leg
 Posterior Elbow
 Finger Splints
 Ankle Stirrup
 Shin splint
[edit]Assisted cough technique
Commonly used after surgery to provide support to an incised area and decrease pain
on coughing.

While the patient attempts to cough the area is braced by the patient (or assistant) using
pillow, folded blanket or extended hand placed over the incision.

Gentle pressure is applied for bracing only during the attempt to cough.

[edit]Origins

Different forms of the splint have been used sparingly throughout history, however, the
splint gained great popularity as a medical device during the French and Indian
War[citation needed]. Generally consisting of two small wooden planks, the splint was
commonly tied around the fracture with rope, cloth, or even rawhide during frontier times
in American history. To this day, the splint is commonly used to secure small fractures
and breaks.

How to make a splint

Definition
A splint is a device used for holding a part of the body stable and motionless to
decrease pain and prevent further injury.

Alternative Names
Splint - instructions

Considerations
The purpose of a splint is to protect a wounded body part from further damage
until you get medical help. It is important to check for good circulation after the
injured body part has been immobilized.
Commercial splints are often used to immobilize a body part in the treatment of
various disorders.

Causes
Splints can be used for many different injuries. Any time there is a broken bone,
stabilizing the area is important.

First Aid
1. Care for all wounds first before applying a splint.

2. An injured body part should usually be splinted in the position in which it was
found.

3. Find something rigid to use as supports to make the splint such as sticks,
boards, or even rolled up newspapers. If none can be found, use a rolled blanket
or clothing. An injured body part can also be taped to an uninjured body part in
order to prevent it from moving. For example, you can tape an injured finger to
the finger next to it to keep it immobile.

4. Extend the splint beyond the injured area in order to keep it from moving. In
general, try to include the joint above and below the injury in the splint.

5. Secure the splint with ties (belts, cloth strips, neckties, etc.), or tape above and
below the injury (make sure the knots are not pressing on the injury). Avoid over-
tightening which can cut off the circulation.

6. Check the area of the injured body part frequently for swelling, paleness,
or numbness. If necessary, loosen the splint.

7. Seek professional medical attention.

DO NOT
DO NOT make any attempts to change the position of, or realign an injured body
part. Be careful when you place a split to avoid causing more injuries. Be sure to
pad the splint well to avoid putting extra pressure on the injured limb.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If an injury occurs while in a remote area, call for emergency medical assistance
as soon as possible. In the meantime, give first aid to the patient.

The following require immediate medical help:

• Bone that is sticking through the skin

• Loss of feeling (sensation)
• Loss of pulse or a feeling of warmth beyond the injured site
If any of these situations occur and medical assistance is not available, and the
injured part looks to be abnormally bent, gently replacing the injured part back
into its normal position may improve the circulation.

Prevention
Safety is the best way to avoid broken bones caused by falling. Some diseases
make bones break easier, so extreme caution should be used when assisting a
person with fragile bones.

Avoid activities that strain the muscles or bones for long periods of time as these
can cause fatigue and falls. Always use proper protective gear, such as proper
footwear, pads, braces, and helmets.

Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed.
Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007.

Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;
2007.

Review Date: 7/10/2009

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest
Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and
Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical

condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical

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Copyright 2011A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.