Let's learn more about the splint that is used when you break or sprain your limb.

Sometimes, we can have a minor accident that we don't even think about, right? Falling while playing cricket and spraining our arm, slipping while doing housework and twisting our ankle, or an elderly person falling a little... At times like these, the doctor may ask you to put on a 'splint'. Today, let's talk about what this splint is, what happens with it, and the things we need to be careful about when using it.

What exactly is a splint?

Simply put, a splint is a medical device that helps keep an injured part of your body in place and prevents it from moving. Doctors use these to protect and support a part of your body after an injury. Sometimes these are called 'braces' or 'orthoses'.

How long you need to wear this will depend on the nature and severity of your injury. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail. He will also inform you about any other treatments that may be needed to help the injury heal and allow you to use the part of your body normally again.

In what situations is a splint used?

Doctors use splints to treat many common injuries we encounter in our daily lives. They are also used in some medical conditions. Let's see what they are.

What actually happens with a splint?

The main function of a splint is to keep the injured part in one place without moving . We call this 'immobilization'. Imagine that you have a broken bone in your hand. Every time you move that hand, the broken bone pieces move around, increasing the pain and delaying healing. What a splint does is to stop that movement.

It is usually made of a hard material like metal or plastic, and has a soft material like foam on the inside to prevent damage to your skin and pressure sores.

What types of splints are there?

Splints come in different sizes and shapes. This is because they need to fit different parts of the body. The most common body parts that splints are used on are:

• Fingers
• Wrist
• Elbow and forearm
• Knee
• Ankle and foot

Your doctor will tell you what type you need, where to get it, and how to use it.

When you go to the hospital emergency room (ETU) after an accident, a fiberglass splint may be used as the first treatment for a broken bone. This is because if you put a cast on the wound while it is still swollen, it can become tight and cut off blood flow as the swelling increases. Since a splint can be easily adjusted, it is used to keep the bone stable until the swelling subsides.

There are several types of splints depending on their function:

• Static splints: These completely stop the injured part from moving. You cannot move the part while it is in place.
• Static progressive splints: These also stop the movement, but they are adjustable, meaning they can be repositioned. The doctor can adjust the position of the splint over time to help the injury heal.
• Dynamic splints: While in place, you can move the injured area a little, but only within the range prescribed by the doctor.
• Serial static splints: These are used to keep the injured area in maximum stretch. This helps to keep the surrounding tissues flexible.

What are the benefits of using a splint?

A splint has several advantages over casts.

• Easy to put on and take off: It is easier to put on a splint than a plaster cast and remove it if necessary.
• Adjustable: In case of swelling, the straps or Velcro® can be easily loosened and adjusted. This is not possible with a plaster.
• Convenience: It is usually smaller than a plaster, so it is a little easier to carry around in everyday life.
• Cleanliness: Only if your doctor gives you permission , you can take it off when you shower and stay clean.

Are there any risks with this?

The risks of using a splint are very low, but sometimes the following can happen:

• Skin irritation, such as redness and itching
• Pressure sores
• Nerve compression causes numbness
• Infections caused by skin wounds

The chances of these risks occurring are very low, but it's important to tell your doctor if you feel anything like this.

How long should I wear the splint?

This depends entirely on your injury or condition. It could be a few weeks, or a month or more. In some chronic conditions, you may need to wear a splint for the rest of your life. Follow your doctor's instructions on how long to wear it and when to remove it.

What time should I see the doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms below while wearing the splint, do not delay and inform your doctor immediately or go to the hospital.

• If you experience unbearable pain .
• If the swelling feels like it's getting worse .
• If the skin color changes (turning blue, dark purple).
• If you experience numbness or tingling .
• If you are unable to move the fingers on the hand or leg that has the splint.

These could be a sign that there is an obstruction to blood flow from within, so be very careful about these.