Splints // Types

SPLINTS

Splints are used for immobilization of fracures, orthopaedic conditions, sprains, soft tissue injuries, congetinal problems like CDH etc.

Common Splints/ braces and their uses:

  • Cramer wire splint- Emmergency immobilization
  • Thomas splint- Fracture femur
  • Cockup splint- Radial nerve palsy
  • Knuckle bender- Ulnar nerve palsy
  • Toe-raising splint- Foot drop
  • Bohler-braun splint- Fracture femur
  • Aluminium splint- Immobilisation of fingers
  • Dennis brown splint- CTEV
  • Volkmann's splint- Volkmann's ischaemic contracture(VIC)
  • Four post collar- Neck immobilisation
  • Aeroplane splint- Brachial plexus injury
  • SOMI brace- Cervical spine injury
  • ASHE brace- Dorso lumbar spinal injury 
  • Taylor brace- Dorso lumbar immobilisation
  • Milwaukee brace/Boston brace- Scoliosis
  • Lumbar corset- Backache


THOMAS SPLINT:
 It is the most commonest splint used in orthopaedic practice. It was devised by H.O. Thomas and initially used for immobilisation for tuberculosis of knee. Now, commonly used for immobilisation of hip and thigh injuries.

Size of thomas splint: This is measured by finding ring size and length of the splint.
The ring size is found by addition of 2 inches to thigh circumference at the highest point of groin.
Length is the measurement from the highest point on the medial side of the groin upto the heel plus six inches.

Uses: Used for immobilization of lower limb.



DENNIS-BROWN SPLINT
Used for club foot

COCK-UP SPLINT


  • It is used to immobilise the wrist
  • used in Radial nerve palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome,post op management of fractures, to correct hand and finger deformities.
  • made up of plastic coated malleable aluminium
  • keeps wrist in extension and support.




CARE OF A PATIENT IN SPLINT


  1. Splint should be applied properly and well padded at bony prominences
  2. Bandage of the splint should not be too tight otherwise it may produce sores
  3. Patient should be encouraged to actively exercise the muscles and the joints inside the splint as much as permitted
  4. Any compression by the bandage should be detected early and managed accordingly
  5. Daily checking and adjustments, if requires should be made.

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