![]() ![]() Dynamic splints may have moving parts and position an extremity to facilitate movement. These splints are usually fabricated out of low temperature thermoplastic, but may be made from a harder, less flexible material. Static splints do not have moving parts and position an extremity so that the splinted area is immobilized. If red areas persist or if cracking/bleeding appear, the splint must be adjusted. Check for red areas when the splint is removed. Increase wearing time as the patient will tolerate.ī. Limit the wearing time of a new splint to 1-2 hours at a time (unless otherwise ordered by the physician). Monitor splints for pressure areas during use.Ī. A poorly fitted splint may move and rub an area, creating sores and discomfort.Ĥ. Make sure the splint conforms to the area and fits snugly to avoid friction.Ī. ![]() If a splint must cover a bony prominence, the area around the prominence should be padded and skin monitored.ģ. Splinting over bony prominences increases the chance for pressure sores to develop.ī. Adjust or fabricate splints to avoid bony prominences.Ī. Consider edema and potential pressure areas if the patient has hemiparesis.Ģ. Take potential skin conditions into consideration if the patient has diabetes.Ĭ. Check for rashes and reactions to heat or splinting materials.ī. Make note of any pre-existing skin conditions or circulation problems.Ī. If the physician has not provided specific precautions, then general splinting precautions may be observed as follows:ġ. These precautions must be observed when splinting the surgical area. If the patient is recovering from a specific surgery, such as a tendon graft or a complicated fracture, the physician will usually specify precautions to prevent injury to the surgical site. When fitting or fabricating a splint for a patient, the first precautions that must always be considered are those specified by the patient’s physician. If the patient does not like the splint, he or she probably will not wear it. How does the splint look? Will the patient accept and use the splint?Ī. Have adjustments been made to avoid pressure areas?ĥ. Is there a plan to educate the patient on splint use?ī. Are there short or long-term goals addressing splint use?ī. How will the splint be incorporated into the patient’s treatment plan?Ī. Purpose – what is the overall purpose of the splint?ģ. Diagnosis – what is the condition limiting the patient’s function?Ģ. When selecting a splint for a patient, the following points must be considered:ġ. The following charts will review the general considerations of splinting, as well as specific splints and their uses. Knowledge of splinting is necessary for occupational therapists who work with people with orthopedic and neurological conditions. Splints are used to support an extremity or part of an extremity to align the extremity, allowing function. Splints are used to immobilize an extremity or part of an extremity during healing to prevent re-injury and promote correct alignment of the bones and tissues involved.Ģ. There are two general purposes for the use of splints:ġ. ![]() Splints are rigid or semi-rigid devices used to either support or immobilize an extremity. ![]()
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