A cast is not always better than a splint
. They both do a good job of immobilizing a broken bone or an injured area. The severity of the fracture will help determine if a cast or splint is the better treatment option.
Is a splint as good as a cast?
Splints, also known as half-casts,
provide less support than casts
, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Can a splint heal a fracture?
Many broken bones (also called fractures) can be treated with a splint or a cast. They keep the bone from moving, which helps it heal.
What is the difference between a cast and a splint?
What is the difference between a cast and a splint?
A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office
. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area.
Do doctors use casts anymore?
Doctors sometimes use casts and splints together
. For example, they might stabilize a fracture with a splint first and replace it with a full case after the initial swelling goes down. Other fractures might need just a cast or just a splint.
Is a cast more comfortable than a splint?
In general, splints provide less support but more flexibility than a rigid cast. They’re easy to take on and off and allow your doctor to reevaluate your injury with x-rays or other diagnostic tools. They also
tend to be more comfortable for patients
.
Can I remove my splint to shower?
Water and your splint
Tape a sheet of plastic to cover your splint when you take a shower or bath, unless
your doctor said you can take it off while bathing
. If you can take the splint off when you bathe, pat the area dry after bathing and put the splint back on.
How long should I wear a splint?
You will likely have to wear a splint. The splint will cover part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist. Your health care provider will tell you how long you need to wear the splint. Usually, it is for
about 3 weeks
.
How tight should splints be?
if you have NUMBNESS/TINGLING of your fingers/hand/arm/toes/foot/leg. Remember: move them!!! if your cast feels TOO TIGHT. Your cast was applied in such a way as to minimize excessive movement and therefore
should be snug but NOT too tight
(there is a difference!).
What to avoid while wearing a cast?
Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin
. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor. If something gets stuck inside your cast it may irritate your skin, so contact your doctor.
Can a bone move in a cast?
Ankle fractures
and wrist fractures commonly immobilize the broken bone with a cast, and these joints get moving pretty quickly when out of plaster.
How do you survive wearing a cast?
Keep the cast clean:
Stay away from dirt, sand, and powders
, which can make itching or skin irritation worse. If you have a waterproof cast, rinsing the area with clean, cool water after excessive sweating can prevent sores and itchiness from developing. Allow the water to drain once the area is soothed.
What are the 4 types of splints?
- Hand. Buddy tape splint. Finger splint.
- Arm. Coaptation splint. Forearm volar splint Long arm posterior splint. Radial gutter splint. Sling and swathe splint. Sugar tong splint. Double sugar tong splint. Thumb spica splint. Ulnar gutter splint.
- Leg. Long leg posterior splint. Stirrup splint. Posterior ankle splint.
Is it OK to sweat in a cast?
Things to remember:
Casts tend to easily absorb water and sweat
. If a cast continues to get wet with water or sweat, it can begin to smell. As always, you should talk to your doctor before you begin any type of exercise or physical activity while in a cast.
When should a cast be removed after a fracture?
Once we’ve determined that a bone is indeed broken, the cast does not go on immediately. Instead, patients must usually
wait for about a week after the break
before being casted to allow time for swelling to go down.
What happens if you fall with a cast on?
You may damage your skin
, compromise the stability of the cast, or accidentally drop the object into the cast causing more discomfort. Don’t apply lotions, powders or deodorant to the skin under the cast. They may cause bacteria growth. If you notice red or raw skin under your cast, contact your provider.
