Splinting

Background

Splint Materials

  • Stockinette [1]
    • Cloth sleeve
    • Base layer for splint/cast
    • Protects skin
  • Cast padding (eg Webril)
    • Used with plaster of Paris
    • 2-3 layers with padding of bony points as needed
    • Wrapping circumferentially with 50% overlap will automatically create 2 layers
  • Plaster of Paris
    • 6-10 layers for upper extremity splints, 12-15 for lower extremity splints
    • Takes 20 minutes to cure, sooner if warmer water is used
    • Watch for exothermic reaction
  • Elastic bandage
    • Outer layer to hold splint in place
    • Excessive tightness can lead to pain, less room for swelling
  • Fiberglass
    • Pre-wrapped material
    • Use cool or room temperature water
    • Not as pliable as plaster of Paris
    • Trim or cover cut edges to prevent injury

Pearls

  • Try to avoid large crinkles/folds with padding, can cause skin damage and breakdown
  • Apply splint firmly but not too tight
    • Allow room for anticipated swelling
    • Tight splint can lead to compartment syndrome
  • Mold splint material with palms rather than fingers to prevent ridges, may be uncomfortable for patient

Splint Types

Splint Types Gallery

Splinting by Bone

Fracture management overview

Complications

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Principles of Casting and Splinting http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0101/p16.html Accessed April 4, 2017
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