Splinting

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Original Editor - Shwe Shwe U Marma

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

A splint is a rigid or flexible device that maintains in position a displaced or movable part, also used to keep in place and protect an injured part[1] to support healing, and to prevent further damage[2].

Image showing arm splint
Arm splint

Purpose of Splinting[edit | edit source]

Thomas's splint, commonly used for the immobilization of hip and thigh injuries


  • Immobilization
  • Support to promote healing
  • Positioning or supporting during function
  • Pain relief[3]
  • Correction and prevention of deformity[4]
  • Restoring or maintaining of range of motion[5]
  • Oedema control[6]

Different Types of Splints[edit | edit source]

Splints for upper limbs[3]

Region Type of splint
Ulnar side of hand Ulnar gutter splint
Radial side of hand Radial gutter splint
Thumb, first metacarpal, and carpal bones Thumb spica splint
Finger injuries
  • Buddy taping
  • Aluminium U-shaped splint
  • Dorsal extension-block splint
  • Mallet finger splint
Wrist/hand
  • Volar/dorsal forearm splint
  • Short arm cast
Forearm Single sugar-tong splint
Elbow, proximal forearm, and skeletally immature wrist injuries
  • Long arm posterior splint
  • Long arm cast
  • Double sugar-tong splint

References[edit | edit source]

  1. VanBlarcom CW, editor. The glossary of prosthodontic terms. Mosby; 1999.
  2. Althoff AD, Reeves RA. Splinting. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 May 24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Boyd AS, Benjamin HJ, Asplund CA. Splints and casts: indications and methods. American family physician. 2009 Sep 1;80(5):491-9.
  4. Singh KA, Shah H, Joseph B. Comparison of plaster-of-Paris casts and Woodcast splints for immobilization of the limb during serial manipulation and casting for idiopathic clubfoot in infants: a prospective randomized trial. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2020 Oct 3;102(10):1399-404.
  5. Rezaei B, Mahdavinejad R. Massage therapy and Splint in males with Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research| Jan-Mar. 2020;10(S1).
  6. Giang TA, Ong AW, Krishnamurthy K, Fong KN. Rehabilitation interventions for poststroke hand oedema: a systematic review. Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2016 Jun 1;27:7-17.