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)
Splint
s

Cast
s
 Goals of Splinting
Reduction Reduction
of of
Control of
Inflammat Inflammat
Pain
ion from ion from
TRAUMA Arthritis
Substitute Evaluation
Provision
for Absent, of the
of Weak or Potential
External Imbalance for
Support Muscle Surgery
 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
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.
5) Evaluation of the potential of
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 &
Disadvantages
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Faster and easier to Lack of patient

apply compliance
Allow for the natural Excessive motion at
swelling injury site
Less risk for pressure- Limitations in their
related complications 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/p49
1.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p16
.html
http://www.slideshare.net/vhjokhi/sp
lint-ppt-by-rupeshkumar?qid=b074a0f6
-1408-4cd9-92c6-fa3ff133f414&v=&b=&
THANK YOU!