The splint is a rigid device, sometimes inflatable, which makes it possible to temporarily immobilize a limb or a joint, less strictly than a plaster cast. More comfortable than the latter, it can be removed at night or when showering. Semi-rigid, static or dynamic, cis a preventive, curative and analgesic device at the same time.

A splint is an external device intended to contain or act as a “guardian” for a limb or a joint. It is used to temporarily immobilize a part of the body.

Resistant, a splint is made of various materials:

• plastic;
• drink ;
• fiberglass ;
• aluminum;
• resin;
• etc.

The purpose of wearing a splint is multiple. Indeed, many pathologies related to injury, trauma or even surgery require the wearing of a splint.

Temporary immobilization of the affected limb as well as its joints using a splint makes it possible to:

• facilitate recovery by supporting the limb and limiting its movements, especially in the event of a fracture, sprain, tendonitis or dislocation;
• promote tissue healing;
• reduce pain caused by inflammation.

A splint can be worn:

• preventively, for example as part of a functional rehabilitation treatment, to relieve pain associated with an overworked joint;
• in post-operative functional follow-up (reconstructive surgery);
• in case of rheumatism to rest the joint;
• in case of flexum, that is to say of loss of mobility of a joint, to gain greater range of motion;
• in case of chronic instability;
• in post-traumatic treatment (shock, blow, fall, false movement).

Easy to use, in particular thanks to systems of straps or hook-and-loop closures, the splints generally adapt to your morphology to offer good support and an analgesic effect.

Whether for an upper or lower limb, the use of a splint is generally done as follows:

• prepare the splint;
• slightly lift the limb to allow the splint to pass;
• slide the splint under the limb concerned, including the joint;
• place the traumatized limb on the splint and hold it, while folding the splint down to give it the shape of a groove;
• keep the splint against the limb;
• close the splint with its closure system;
• check that the limb is properly immobilized.

Precautions for use

• do not over-tighten the splint: it must contain the limb or the targeted joint, without stopping blood circulation;
• raise the immobilized limb;
• in case of shock, regularly apply ice, in an airtight bag, to the splint, especially at the beginning to reduce the edema;
• do not wet the splint to avoid the risk of maceration;
• avoid driving a vehicle or a two-wheeler with a splint;
• if possible, continue to be physically active. Having an immobilized limb can lead to loss of strength or flexibility in joints and muscles. To avoid stiffening, it is advisable to move and contract the muscles under the splint;
• in case of itching, moisturize the skin in contact with the splint regularly.

The splints are available in different sizes and shapes depending on the morphology, the age and the limb to be immobilized:

• forearm ;
• arm ;
• leg ;
• peg ;
• wrist ;
• etc.

In addition to the extra splints and those put in place by the emergency services, the splints can be made to measure by a prosthetist, a physiotherapist, an orthopedist or an occupational therapist so as to be perfectly adapted to each patient.

The different types of splints include the following splints.

Inflatable splints

Inflatable splints adapt to the patient’s morphology. Made of washable plastic, their rigidity is ensured by the air pressure. They are held around the limb with a buttonhole or zipper system. They can also be used in the event of spasticity, that is to say of stretch reflexes having a contraction too strong and too long. Inexpensive, lightweight and easy to store, taking up little space, they are also invisible to x-rays and can therefore be left in place for x-rays. These are however fragile and cannot adapt to a deformation.

Depression splints

The vacuum splints, with vacuum immobilizing mattress or shell, immobilize the back and pelvis or limbs. These are waterproof envelopes in plasticized and washable canvas, containing polystyrene balls, and closed by a valve. When it contains air, the balls move freely and the splint can be molded around the limb. When the air is sucked in with a pump, a vacuum is created in the splint and the depression pushes the balls against each other, which stiffens the splint. The vacuum splints thus adapt to the most important deformities, especially in the lower limbs. Expensive and fragile, their implementation time is longer than other splints.

Preformed, moldable splints

The moldable preformed splints are made of deformable aluminum blades, surrounded by padding. The splint takes the form of a gutter, possibly angled, which is placed around the limb. The side in contact with the limb is plasticized, washable and disinfectable. The other side is velor to allow Velcro straps to be attached. The splint is deformed in order to respect the position of the limb and its possible deformations. Once the splint is in place, the straps are positioned. With arguably the best functionality / price ratio, the moldable preformed splints are robust. However, these are not invisible to X-rays and cannot adapt to large deformations.