Types of Splints & Casts

Splints and casts limit the mobility of injured limbs. Splints can be removed by the patient while casts are permanent until removed by the doctor. The plaster or fiberglass that casts are made from mold around the injured limb. The average splint or cast time is four to six weeks.

Splints

• Splints immobilize injuries but allow for some flexibility. They allow swelling that takes place after an injury. Splints are either used after casts are removed or for severe sprains, soft tissue injury and small fractures. They allow some flexibility but still protect the wound from injury.

  Thumb-fracture splints fit around the thumb, hand and wrist. The thumb fits into the pre-molded splint and Velcro straps hold the apparatus together. Finger splints are made of foam and metal. They are made to bend over the tip of the finger and are secured with tape. Forearm splints are straight and made of soft material, hard plastic and metal rods. It fits over the forearm and straps together with Velcro.

  Ankle splints can be pre-made or fitted with fiberglass. The splint fits the bottom of the foot and curves up the back of the leg at the ankle, ending around the calf. The splint is wrapped in place with an ace bandage.

Casts

• Plaster and fiberglass casts are used to immobilize fractures and after certain types of surgery.

  Short leg casts are used for foot and ankle fractures. The ankle is positioned at a 90-degree angle and soft padding is placed around the foot. The toes are exposed and the cast continues up the leg, just below the knee. Extra padding is placed over bony areas. Short leg casts that have a toe plate extension have a flat area under the toes like a shoe. The toes can rest on the extension limiting movement.

  The ulnar gutter cast is used for fractures involving the metacarpals -- bones of the hand. It involves wrapping the last three fingers up with the forearm. The radial gutter cast wraps the middle two fingers together and at a 90-degree angle. It is used for fractures of the second and third metacarpal. The thumb spica cast involves the thumb while leaving the four fingers loose. The cast runs up the arm to the mid forearm. The cast is used for thumb fractures, severe sprains and arthritis.

  The long arm cast is used for wrist, forearm fractures and elbow management. The cast is applied around the hand, up the arm and above the elbow. The elbow is bent 90 degrees.

Gortex

• Unlike the cotton padding used in most casts, padding made of gortex is waterproof so the patient can immerse the entire cast in water. The patient can participate in swimming and bathe with the cast.