Splint (medicine)

Capener finger splint

A splint is a medical device for the 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 an occupational therapist, via a physician's orders, 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.
• A term used to describe a form of assisted coughing techniques.

A nasal splint helps control bleeding and provide support in certain cases where the nose bone is broken.

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.

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. 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.

See also

• Cervical collar
• Extrication splint (KED, Kendrick's extrication device)
• Long spine board
• Vacuum mattress
• Orthopedic surgery
• Spica splint
• SAM Splint

External links

• Home Treatment for Finger, Hand & Wrist Injuries on WebMD
• Cast & Splint Care Tips on WebMD