Splint (medicine)
A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine. It can be used:
- By the emergency medical services or by volunteer first responders, to immobilize a fractured limb before the transportation; it is then a temporary immobilization;
- By allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and orthotists, to immobilize an articulation (e.g. the knee) that can be freed while not standing (e.g. during sleep).
- By athletic trainers to immobilize an injured bone or joint to facilitate safer transportation of the injured person.
- By emergency room physicians to stabilize fractures or sprains until follow-up appointment with an Orthopedist.
In most ERs, a fibreglass splinting material, called Orthoglass, is commonly used for several reasons.
- It is clean, unlike most plaster splinting materials
- It comes in rolls and can be easily measured and cut according to the patient's dimensions.
- It comes pre-padded, which saves time and energy trying to roll out padding.
- It dries in about 20 minutes, and there are no risks for burns involved.
A nasal splint helps control bleeding and provide support in certain cases where the nose bone is broken.
Read more about Splint (medicine): Commonly Used Splints, Assisted Cough Technique, Origins