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Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
When do you use a cast or a splint?
Splints are often used for simple or stable fractures, sprains, tendon injuries, and other soft-tissue injuries; casting is usually reserved for definitive and/or complex fracture management.
Is a splint heavier than a cast?
A cast is typically a fiberglass construct that can be molded specifically to the needs of the fracture and can be worn for several weeks as needed. This is more rigid than the temporary splint, but both may feel fairly heavy.
Can you wear a brace instead of a cast?
Braces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used immediately following an injury or toward the end of healing, normally following removal of another type of cast.
What is an alternative to a cast?
More and more, we’re seeing removable splints and walking boots as an alternative to casts–or used before or after a cast is put in place. While these options aren’t a solution for all fractures, they work well for some patients and injuries.
What are 3 things you should not do while splinting?
Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint. If the skin becomes red or sore around the edge of the splint, you may pad the edges with a soft material, such as moleskin, or use tape to cover the edges.
Why did I get a splint instead of a cast?
Splints – also known as “half-casts” – provide less support than casts, but are easier to use and can be adjusted. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Is it OK to take a splint off?
A splint protects a broken bone or other injury. If you have a removable splint, follow your doctor’s instructions and only remove the splint if your doctor says it’s okay. Most splints can be adjusted.
Can a scaphoid fracture heal in 6 weeks?
After adequate conservative management, successful fracture union is achieved for approximately 90% of non or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures, at six weeks.
Is a splint similar to a cast?
A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material. Unlike casts, splints can be easily removed or adjusted. Many splints are custom-made from fiberglass or plaster.
When do u get a cast?
In most cases, a child who breaks a bone will need a cast. A cast is a big, hard bandage made of fiberglass or plaster that keeps bones in place while they heal. Depending on the age of the child and type of fracture, a cast can be on for as little as 4 weeks or as long as 10 weeks.
What are the three types of casts?
Types of casts Plaster cast. This is made from gauze and plaster strips soaked in water. Synthetic cast. This is made from fiberglass or plastic strips. Cast brace. This is made of hard plastic. Splint (also called a half cast). This is made from slabs of plaster or fiberglass that hold the injury still.
What happens if you leave a cast on too long?
While it may not seem like too much of an issue, putting a cast on a patient too tight can actually cause permanent damage. This is because a cast that is too tight will restrict blood flow to the limb, will put excessive pressure on the nerves, and may even cause atrophy of the muscles or tendons in the limb.
What should you not do while wearing a cast?
Call your healthcare provider or orthopaedic expert. Don’t get your cast wet. A plaster cast may disintegrate if it gets wet. Don’t stick anything in your cast. During your recovery, the skin under your cast may itch. Don’t apply lotions, powders or deodorant to the skin under the cast. They may cause bacteria growth.
What are modern casts made of?
Most casts are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is a kind of plastic that can be molded to the body part. It dries hard.
Is it OK to walk on a cast?
Even if the plaster cast makes your skin feel very itchy, do not poke anything underneath it. This could cause a nasty sore and lead to infection. Do not walk on a cast unless you have been told it is safe to do so and have been given a plaster shoe. The itchiness should settle down after a few days.
Should I sleep with finger splint on?
Always wear the splint full time when you sleep. When we sleep, all of us naturally curl up our fingers without realizing it. In fact, after the initial 6-week healing period, you will need to sleep in the splint for another 2 months.
Should you wear a splint to bed?
“If you have had a fall or think you may have fractured your hand or wrist, it is OK to wear a brace overnight until you can get to the doctor’s office,” says Dr. Delavaux. “But be sure to get it checked out, especially if the pain doesn’t get better after a day or two.” Basal joint arthritis.
What are the three do of treating a fracture?
Diagnosis and treatment of bone fractures Splints – to stop movement of the broken limb. Braces – to support the bone. Plaster cast – to provide support and immobilise the bone. Traction – a less common option. Surgically inserted metal rods or plates – to hold the bone pieces together. Pain relief.
Do all fractures need a cast?
Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn’t work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
How tight should splints be?
if you have NUMBNESS/TINGLING of your fingers/hand/arm/toes/foot/leg. Remember: move them!!! if your cast feels TOO TIGHT. Your cast was applied in such a way as to minimize excessive movement and therefore should be snug but NOT too tight (there is a difference!).
Does a nondisplaced fracture need a cast?
Displaced fractures will likely require surgery because the bones are unstable while nondisplaced fractures normally only need to be immobilized in a cast for six weeks to properly heal.
