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Types of Arm Splints

"One in every 20 bone breaks, to include fractures, involve the upper arm bone," according to pdfcast.org. Bad sprains and joint and muscle pain can also hinder the use of your arm. A splint provides support and protection to a weak or damaged arm. A variety of splints immobilize the arm and will help it mend faster and stop further injury to the bone, joints and muscles.

  1. Emergency Splints

    • Eliminating motion to an injured arm in an emergency situation requires the use of a firm straight object. Newspaper, cardboard, an umbrella, a stick, even a tightly wrapped shirt or blanket may serve as a splint. A cloth between the object and the arm for padding makes it more comfortable. Use bandanas, strips of clothing, belts, ties or socks to attach the splint to the arm. Properly restrain the arm by tying the splint to the joints above and below the pain, fracture or break.

    Doctor Splints

    • Doctors put on arm splints made out of either metal, fiberglass or plaster. Padding between the arm and splint is cotton. Velcro straps hold the splint in place. All materials have different advantages. Fiberglass is lighter in weight; metal is heavier. Fiberglass breathes better and wears longer than plaster. Plaster shapes better and is less expensive.

    Inflatable Splints

    • Inflatable splints are made of plastic. Gently slide the splint over the arm or zip on to enclose the injury. Breath air though a tube attached to the splint and inflate. Inflatable splints are washable and reusable. The National Center for Biotechnology Information, however, says inflatable splints are extremely inefficient in holding their pressure. A semi-deflated or deflated arm splint offers no support and is useless.

    Off-the-Shelf Splints

    • Humerus and forearm splints are often ready-made and available for purchase. These splints are made out of leather, reshapable aluminum layered with polyethylene foam, or a poly/cotton material. Features of the poly/cotton splint are: pre-made pouches with secure hooks and loop straps and padded shoulder and rib straps to help hold the arm. With cleaning and proper care, you may reuse these splints. Each one has a different degree of rigidity and will immobilize an injury. However, most are not penetrated by an X-ray.

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