Various types of splints and basics

splints

1. Various types of splints and basics

2. What are splints ?

3. Devices that immobilize and protect an injured limb or spine.

4. How can you prepare it? Can be of any rigid material POP, plastic or metal. Usually along with some padding to make it comfortable.

5. Indications of splints Fractures, sprains , dislocations Joint infections Acute arthritis / gout Acute tenosynovitis

6. Contraindications of splints Compartment syndrome Infected skin condition or when there is high risk of infection.

7. Splintage materials Plaster Crammer wire splints Fibreglass Pre fabricated splints Air splints Vaccum splints

8. POP Calciumsulphate dehydrate When wet it crystallises Exothermic reaction Avg setting time 3-9 minutes

9. POP Advantages Easier to mold Less expensive Disadvantages More difficult to apply Gets soggy when it gets wet

10. Crammer wire splint Used for quick splintage for transport. Two thick parallel wires with ladder like thin wires. Can easily be bent.

11. Thomas splint Described by Hugh owen thomas – father of orthopaedics Ring at an angle of 120 degrees to inner side bar. Two side bars Outer bar bent to accommodate the greater trochanter Leg supported on slings tied to the side bars

12. Bohler braun splint Proximal pulley to prevent foot drop 2 nd pulley traction in line with the femur 3 rd pulley traction in line foe traction in line with the leg

13. Dennis brown splint Used in treatment of clubfoot Father of paediatric surgery in UK.

14. COCK UP SPLINT For radial nerve palsy

15. AEROPLANE SPLINT Brachial plexus injuries. Contracture prevention Post muscle release/ tendon transfer Burn management in the axillary region

16. SOMI BRACE It doesn’t have a backplate , thus allows the patient to lie flat on his back without discomfort. This brace has a padded plastic chest plate and two padded shoulder extensions which hook over the tops of the shoulders. From these shoulder extensions two straps in the interscapular region, pass downwards and around the chest wall to attach the lower part of the chest plate. It is most effective in controlling forward flexion between the first and fourth cervical vertebrae, especially at the atlantoaxial joint. It is not so effective in controlling extension , lateral flexion

17. LUMBAR CORSET

18. AIR SPLINTS Also called pneumatic splints Become rigid when filled with air. Injured part inserted into deflated splint Air infused and splint molds to injured body part.

19. Vaccum splints Operate by extracting air from the splint

20. Care of patient on splint Padding on fracture site Padding on bone prominences Active mobilisation of muscles and joints Watch out for effects of compression on nerves / vessels Adjustment ofweights Check pressure points Care of back Elevate the encased limb Encourage active fingers and toes movements