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Splint (medicine)

Splint (medicine)

A splint is a medical device for the 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 an occupational therapist, via a physician's orders, 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.

How to Make a Splint

In case of a medical emergency, one should make a splint:
#Treat the area of all wounds before creating the splint.
#The injured limb should be left in the position that it was found in.
#Something rigid will be best for support such as sticks, boards, or rolled up newspaper. If these are not available, try rolled up clothing. The limb can also be taped to an uninjured body part to prevent it from moving.
#Extend the splint above and below the injured area to prevent it from moving. Splinting beyond the closest two joints is ideal.
#Secure the splint with ties and be sure not to knot the injured area. Avoid tying too tight as it may cut off circulation.
#Check the area often for swelling or paleness
#Seek medical attention quickly.

Origins

Different forms of the splint have been used sparingly throughout history, however, the splint gained great popularity as a medical device during the French and Indian War. Generally consisting of two small wooden planks, the splint was commonly tied around the fracture with rope, cloth, or even rawhide during frontier times in American history. To this day, the splint is commonly used to secure small fractures and breaks.

See also

*Cervical collar
*Extrication splint (KED, Kendrick's extrication device)
*Long spine board
*Vacuum mattress
*Orthopedic surgery
*Spica splint
*SAM Splint

External links

* [http://www.webmd.com/hw/joint_problems/aa1232.asp Home Treatment for Finger, Hand & Wrist Injuries on WebMD]
* [http://www.webmd.com/hw/skin_wounds/tp21128.asp Cast & Splint Care Tips on WebMD]


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