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A cast is not always better than a splint. They both do a good job of immobilizing a broken bone or an injured area. The severity of the fracture will help determine if a cast or splint is the better treatment option.
Is a splint as good as a cast?
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.
Can a splint heal a fracture?
Splints and Casts Many broken bones (also called fractures) can be treated with a splint or a cast. They keep the bone from moving, which helps it heal. It also cuts down swelling and pain.
What is the difference between a cast and a splint?
What is the difference between a cast and a splint? A cast wraps all the way around an injury and can only be removed in the doctor’s office. All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area.
Do doctors use casts anymore?
While fiberglass material is newer, many casts used today are still made from plaster. Plaster casts are most often used when a fracture reduction (repositioning of the bone) is performed.
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.
Is a cast more comfortable than a splint?
In general, splints provide less support but more flexibility than a rigid cast. They’re easy to take on and off and allow your doctor to reevaluate your injury with x-rays or other diagnostic tools. They also tend to be more comfortable for patients.
How long should I wear a splint?
You will likely have to wear a splint. The splint will cover part of your fingers and both sides of your hand and wrist. Your health care provider will tell you how long you need to wear the splint. Usually, it is for about 3 weeks.
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!).
What to avoid while wearing a cast?
Plaster casts and fiberglass casts with conventional padding aren’t waterproof. Keep your child’s cast dry during baths or showers by covering it with two layers of plastic, sealed with a rubber band or duct tape. Avoid swimming while wearing a cast that isn’t waterproof.
Can a bone move in a cast?
A cast, which keeps a bone from moving so it can heal, is essentially a big bandage that has two layers — a soft cotton layer that rests against the skin and a hard outer layer that prevents the broken bone from moving.
What are 4 types of splints?
Splint Types Coaptation splint. Forearm volar splint Long arm posterior splint. Radial gutter splint. Sling and swathe splint. Sugar tong splint. Double sugar tong splint. Thumb spica splint.
How do you survive wearing a cast?
10 Tips to Survive Life in a Cast Elevate it: Elevating your injured limb for the first 24 to 72 hours can reduce swelling. Keep moving: Carefully and frequently moving your uninjured toes or fingers on your injured leg or arm frequently can reduce stiffness.
How often should a cast be changed?
Plaster casts are made up of a bandage and a hard covering, usually plaster of paris. They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks.
Should a broken bone hurt in a cast?
Almost all broken bones and torn ligaments cause pain. The cast should relieve some pain by limiting your movements. Usually your pain will be less severe each day. If you were given pain medication to use, follow the directions on the package.
Is it OK to sweat in a cast?
Because you cannot get a cast wet, there’s not a good way to thoroughly clean them off. It’s best to avoid these products near a cast. Be diligent about hygiene after sweating. Sweat beneath your cast is likely, especially if you are participating in physical therapy or other form of exercise.
Do you sleep with a splint on?
You may need to stay home from work for some time. It’s important to keep moving your wrist as you normally would, but to avoid putting too much strain on it. You can also wear a splint at night.
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.
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.
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.
Will my cast loosen up?
If a plaster of Paris cast becomes wet, then it can soften and fall apart, no longer providing rigid support to your broken bone.
Does a hairline fracture require a cast?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast, but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
