Immobilization Splints

Presented by Siti Nur Rifhan Kamaruddin

DEFINITION• Splint is a rigid support with padding made with

metal, plastic or plaster. • Non- circumferential immobilizer• Splints are different than Casts (circumferential immobilizer)

Splints

Casts

Goals of Splinting

1) Reduction of Inflammation from Trauma

• Resting hand tissues reduces inflammation to encourage orderly healing without disruptive external influences

• Initial choice for the acutely injured part• Splinting should cease when possible to

minimize negative effects : atrophy and stiffening which rapidly occurs in the immobilized hand.

2) Reduction of Inflammation from Arthritis

• Inflammatory arthritis response positively to rest but this rest may be short-lived – daily symptomatic relief.

• Splinting to provide rest + other treatments = recognized as standard protocol

3) Control of Pain

• Without infection, rest of the acutely injured hand can reduce pain

• A delicate balance between rest to reduce painful inflammation and exercise to main tissue glide can be accomplished by a removable splint.

4) External Support

• Provide external support for internal structures.

• Unstable joints from trauma or arthritis can benefit from splinting – symptom relief or as substitute for surgery.

INDICATIONS FOR SPLINT

• Fractures• Soft tissues injuries (sprains, tendons)• Inflammatory conditions: Arthritis, Tenosynovitis• Laceration over joints

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SPLINT

• Compartment Syndrome• Need for open reduction• Skin at high risk for infection

Advantages & DisadvantagesADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Faster and easier to apply Lack of patient complianceAllow for the natural swelling

Excessive motion at injury site

Less risk for pressure-related complications

Limitations in their usage. Some injury require casting

Can be removed more easily

COMPLICATIONS

• Compartment syndrome : Increase pressure within a close space compromises blood flow and tissue perfusion

• Ischemia and damage to soft tissues• Infection • Joint stiffness • Thermal injuries to the skin• Skin breakdown / pressure sores.

REFERENCES• https://handlab.com/resources/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Principles-of-Splinting-

and-Splint-Prescription.pdf• http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0901/p491.html• http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p16.html

THANK YOU!