Tony Suharsono

Goal of Splinting
Decrease pain
Limit bone and soft tissue injury
Minimize damage to nerves, arteries,
and veins

Type of Splint
Soft splint : non rigid, such as pillow
Hard splint : a firm, rigid surface such as
a board
Air splint : inflatable splint, which provide
rigidity without being hard
Traction splint : splint that support
fractures, decrease angulation, and
provide traction

General Splinting Principles

First, assess neurovasculer status to
determine a baseline for future
comparison
Remove all jewelry and (preferably)
clothing from the injured area
Assemble equipment and padding
before moving the injured part
Solicit adequate personnel to assist with
splint application

General Splinting Principles

Immobilize the joints proximal and distal
to the injury
Correct severe angulation only if it is
imposible to apply a splint in the current
position or if neurovasculer is
compromized
Ensure that splint are well padded
Secure the injured part to the splint. Do
not impair circulation by securing too
tightly

General Splinting Principles

Reassess neuromuscular status after
splinting or moving the injured site
Avoid snug splints or cast when the risk
of compartement syndrome is high
Careful consideration is required before
splinting or casting infected wounds

Patient Education And Discharge

Instruction
Return to the emergency department,
the orthopedic clinic, or your provate
physician in 24 hours for follow up care
Keep the cast or splint dry
Elevate the injured limb above heart
level for the first 24 hours
Do not place sharp object inside the cast

Patient Education And Discharge

Instruction
If the skin under the cast itches, blow
cool air down the cast or try to
scratching the opposite extremity
Wiggle the digits at least once each hour
Seek urgent medical care for the
following:

Digits that are cold or hot

Digits that are blue or mottled
Numbness, tingling, or decrease digital

sensation
Foreign object in the cast
Cast that become too tight