The main purpose of splinting is to immobilize the joints and bones above and below the fracture site. This is to prevent bone edges from moving and damaging other muscles, vessels or nerves and further complications. Splinting will be effective
when the adjacent joints and bones remain immobilized
.
Where should you splint an injury?
A basic rule of splinting is that
the joint above and below the broken bone should be immobilized
to protect the fracture site. For example, if the lower leg is broken, the splint should immobilize both the ankle and the knee. Pulses and sensation should be checked below the splint at least once per hour.
When should you apply a splint to an injured bone or joint?
Splint is used to:
Provide pain relief of the fractured limb
. Support bone ends of the fracture site. Bones ends of the fracture site are very sharp. A splint helps prevent bone protruding through the skin, soft skin and tissue damage, as well as bleeding.
Why would you put a splint on an injury?
A splint is a supportive device that protects a broken bone or injury. A splint
keeps the injured part of your body still to help with pain and promote healing
. Some splints are flexible and some are rigid.
What injuries do you splint?
Pre-made splints can treat
sprains, tendonitis, and other minor injuries
. Swollen injuries often require a splint, especially if they swell up immediately after being injured. Once the swelling is reduced, we may replace your splint with a cast to accommodate a longer healing period.
What are 3 important things to remember when applying a splint?
- Establish the injury’s baseline. …
- Attempt realignment or repositioning. …
- Remember to add padding. …
- Make a complete splint. …
- Recheck CSM once the splint is in place. …
- Extremity fracture may be very painful. …
- Document.
What is the last thing to check after splinting an injury?
Once the splinting is completed, you should check the areas around it
every few minutes
for signs of decreased blood circulation. If the extremities begin to appear pale, swollen, or tinged with blue, loosen the ties that are holding the splint. Post-accident swelling can make the splint too tight.
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.
What are 3 things you should not do while splinting?
Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin
. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint. If the skin becomes red or sore around the edge of the splint, you may pad the edges with a soft material, such as moleskin, or use tape to cover the edges.
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 happens if you get your splint wet?
Do not get the splint wet. A wet splint might not support the bone, and also
can cause a skin rash
. Do not stick objects or pour lotions or powders inside the splint. Don’t scratch the skin inside the splint.
How long do you stay in a splint?
A splint usually stays on for
several days to weeks
. If the injured area is very swollen, a splint may be used first to allow for that swelling. If you need a cast, your doctor will remove the splint and apply a cast. Casts that are kept in good condition can stay on for several weeks.
Does a hairline fracture need a cast?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture.
You likely won’t need a cast
, but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
What is the difference between a dislocation and a break?
The Difference Between Fractures & Dislocations
Fractures are
breaks or cracks in the bone
(s), while dislocations are when a bone moves out of place from its usual connecting joint.
Can you get your splint wet?
Moisture can collect under the splint
and cause skin irritation and itching. If you have a wound or have had surgery, moisture under the splint can increase the risk of infection. 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.
What is better splint or 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.
