WHAT IS SPLINT???
Splint is custom-made by therapist for the patient using low-temperature thermoplastic material and is fitted to each individual. Splints help patient with limited joint of motion, correct and reduce deformity and positioning the joint in correct position.
HISTORY OF SPLINT
Splinting is one of the treatments that have been used in medical area a long time ago. The method and purpose of the splinting still same until modern health now. However, the materials that they used before had differentiated it with splint today. According to Shady Grove Orthopaedic Associates, PA, they had evidence that splinting have been used also in Egypt period. They found it on mummies where the splint are made from bamboo, woods or back and reeds. Then it has been padded with some linen on it. It shows that the theory is still same by using some materials to support the affected area but, in modern health they used materials that better like thermoplastic.
WHY DO OT MAKE SPLINT???
Why do we make splint?? The obvious
answer for this question is that we make splits for functional purposes as the
role of OT is to provide services to patients who have functional limitations
and disabilities due to injury, disease or other causes. Our goal is to help
patients in achieving their maximum physical, functional, psychological and
vocational potential. We work with patients to improve or maintain their
ability to do activities of daily living that are meaningful to the patient at
home, at work and in the community.
Treatment and services that
commonly served by us include training patient in the following areas:
· Daily living
· Self care
· Home safety
· Therapeutic exercise and strengthening
· Wheelchair fitting
· Splint design, fabrication and application
TYPES OF SPLINT
Splinting has two major goals which
are to immobilize the affected joint for resting healing tissue and second is
for tissue mobilization by applied some force at the splint for tissue’s
healing.
There are 4 types of splint :
- Static splints
-Has no
moving parts
-Purpose for:
support, correct and protect the joint.
- Dynamic splints
-Has static
base attach with lever, pulley and springs
- Purpose for:
mobilize joint stiffness, functioning muscle weakness
- Serial static splints
-Modified
the same splint or develop series of splint
-Purpose
for: increasing tissue length
- Static progressive splints
-Some
forces applied at the end of the available movement attached on the
turnbuckles, screws, or non-elastic tape
-Purpose
for: exercising on affected area
SPLINT CAN BE USED IN ??
1. Joint stability
2. Reduce joint tightness
3. Reduce muscle-tendon tightness and adherence
4. Nerves injuries
5. Tendon injuries
6. Scar skin tightness
7. Fractures and joint dislocations
8. Congenital deformities
9. Dupuytren’s contracture Release
10. Arthritis
PRECAUTIONS
Problem
|
Causes
|
Things to do
|
· Blisters
· Skin irritation
· Red marks on
skin
|
· Pressure due to
splint
too tight
· Poor sensation
· Incorrect
application of
splint
|
· Remove splint for a
while
· Refer to occupational
therapist for alteration
· Review regime of splint
application
|
· Increased
swelling
|
· Positioning of
affected
area
incorrect
· Straps on splint
fastened too tight
|
· Keep the affected area
supported
· Loosen the straps
· Review splint
application
|
· Excessive pain
and numbness
|
· Splint applied
incorrectly
· Straps too tight or
in
improper position
|
· Keep the affected area
supported
· Review splint regime of
application
· Refer to occupational
therapist
for consultation
|
SPLINT CARE
1. Clean the
thermoplastic splint with soap and warm water (NOT
HOT WATER) by using sponge or small brush. Just rub it; do not
sink into the water.
HOT WATER) by using sponge or small brush. Just rub it; do not
sink into the water.
2. Wiping the
inside of splint with alcohol swab or little of
toothpaste to reduce the odor.
3. Consult with
occupational therapist if padding relining
is necessary.
4. Hand
washes the loop/hook Velcro (the strapping) with
small brush, mild soapy water.
Rinse with warm water
then air dries it.
5. Do not
place the splint directly to sunlight, in the hot
cars or near with heaters
items. Thermoplastic splint can
be damaged by heat.
6. Do not
put heavy objects to rest on top of splint.
