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Common Orthopedic Splints

Orthopedic splints are used to immobilize limbs which have suffered a strain, sprain or minor fracture to allow time for healing without further stress to ligaments, tendons and muscles. Different types of splints are used on different areas of the body and for different types of injuries.

  1. Soft and Rigid Splints

    • The type of injury dictates whether a soft or rigid splint is necessary. Fractured or sprained fingers are usually treated with rigid metal splints held in place by tape or bandages. Strains or sprains of the arms or legs may be treated with soft splints made from foam or elastic which allow limited movement of the injured area, but more severe sprains and undisplaced fractures are treated with rigid splints made from hard plastic or metal which may be wrapped with tape impregnated with resin.

    Pre-Made Orthopedic Splints

    • Some types of injuries are quite common, such as finger fractures and sprained ankles. To make treatment for these common injuries simpler, manufacturers have devised pre-made splints which require minimal adjustment by doctors. Pre-made splints may be available in a variety of sizes in both soft and rigid materials. Soft and rigid cervical collars for treatment of soft tissue neck injuries are examples of pre-made splints.

    Pre-Cut Orthopedic Splints

    • Pre-cut splints are typically made of a webbed tape impregnated with resin which hardens after being soaked in water and exposed to air. A layer of cotton padding is applied to the skin and pre-cut splints are used with fiberglass or plaster to custom fashion rigid splints called casts. They are most often used to treat simple fractures or to immobilize an injury following orthopedic surgery. After the injury has healed, the splint must be cut off by a physician.

    Orthopedic Splints for Treatment of Medical Conditions

    • Not all splints are used to treat injuries. Some splints may be custom-made to treat other medical conditions associated with congenital defects or motor deficiencies. Leg braces are a type of splint which may used to partially support weak muscles to aid in developing muscle strength. Splints may also be used to treat occupational diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Splints can help by partially immobilizing the wrist and assisting the patient to develop better hand position for repetitive work.

      Orthopedic splints are used to treat a variety of injuries and medical conditions that are related to the bones and surrounding muscle tissue. There are splints to treat injuries to almost every area of the body and orthopedic specialists may select from a variety of splints to treat specific injuries.

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