Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Splint is A Device for Immobilizing Injured Parts of the Body

Author: Manish Batra
by Manish Batra
Posted: Aug 02, 2016

A splint is a piece of medical equipment used to keep an injured body part from moving and to protect it from any further damage.

A splint is applied to a fracture, sprain, or areas with extensive injury to soft tissues; A device for immobilizing injured parts of the body. Finger Splint is also applied in cases of inflammatory diseases of the limbs, in cases of burns, and after surgery on bones, blood vessels, and nerves in the extremities. A distinction is made between transport and therapeutic splints.

Bone and joint injuries of the hand are common. While often viewed as trivial injuries, a poorly treated finger fracture can have significant functional consequences. These injuries may result in chronic pain, stiffness, and deformity; preventing patients from participating in activities of daily living. It is not uncommon for stable fractures to be over treated and unstable fractures to be neglected, both potentially resulting in permanent disability. Accurate diagnosis and timely management of these injuries continues to be the cornerstone of optimal hand care.

Finger fractures are common injuries with a wide spectrum of presentation. Although a vast majority of these injuries may be treated non-operatively with gentle reduction, appropriate splinting, and careful follow-up, health care providers must recognize injury patterns that require more specialized care. Injuries involving unstable fracture patterns, intra-articular extension, or tendon function tend to have suboptimal outcomes with non-operative treatment. Other injuries including terminal extensor tendon injuries (mallet finger), stable non-articular fractures, and distal phalanx tuft fractures are readily treated by conservative means, and in general do quite well. Appropriate understanding of finger fracture patterns, treatment modalities, and injuries requiring referral is critical for optimal patient outcomes.

Mallet fractures

The majority of distal phalangeal base fractures are "mallet injuries", occurring due to an axial load with a resultant disruption of the terminal extensor mechanism. Mallet injuries with and without a bony fragment may be effectively treated by splinting the DIP joint in extension for 8 wks, followed by 1 month of night splinting. Splinting using a dorsal, volar, or pre-fabricated Stack type splint are all reasonable treatment methods. Care must be taken to avoid dorsal skin ischemia and potential breakdown seen in cases of splinting the DIP joint in a hyperextended position.

frog finger:Malleable segments fold to hold finger in desired alingment for immobilization of the distal part of injured. Frog Finger Splint is mainly used for fastening of the 1st and 2nd joints of fingers. It is convenient to use and simple for operation.

About the Author

Wheelchairindia.com C/O Manish Steel Works is an India based online handicapped product shopping website offers a large variety of handicap products and at amazingly low prices.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Manish Batra

Manish Batra

Member since: Oct 08, 2015
Published articles: 48

Related Articles