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Functional splints are used to fix and give support to the bones of a person who is hurt or has a health problem, especially in the arms, wrists, and hands. They enable health care practitioners to give care to patients with acute and chronic injuries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal problems. There are many types of functional splints, and here are some based on the materials used:
The elasticated foam splint is a common functional splint with a layer of highly elastic foam. The splints are soft, malleable, and well-fitting. Since their edges are soft and can barely irritate the skin, they are very comfortable to wear. They do not weigh much and come in various thicknesses to provide different levels of support. Elasticated foam splints are ideal for low-risk patients or temporary use and are often used in primary care, home care services, or for patients recovering from minor injuries.
Metal splints are highly durable and sterilisable, enabling long-term use. Mostly, they have a wireframe design and can be covered by other materials to enhance comfort; hence, users get the strength of metal with the added comfort of soft coverings. Wireframe splints are heavy-duty and also lightweight, allowing them to be used by people who need strong support. They offer great stability for post-operative rehabilitation and injuries. In general, metal splints are appropriate for more severe cases where extra support is required.
Thermoplastic splints are solid and fixed forms splints used in functional splinting. They are made from thermoplastic materials like polyethylene, which can be shaped by heating and moulding to a specific body part. One significant advantage of thermoplastic splints is that they can be remoulded, making them highly useful in treatment for changing conditions. People who have had stroke-related hemiplegia, neurological disorders, or arthritis frequently use these splints to correct posture and provide support for rehabilitation.
Elasticated fabric splints combine woven elastic fibres into a design to support easy stretching and compression movements. Since they provide even distribution and graduated compression, these splints help lower swelling while enhancing circulation to the limbs, which is very important for recovery. Elasticated fabric splints are simple to apply and remove, allowing quick adjustments. Thus, they are useful in first aid, outpatient rehabilitation, or conditions that require support but still allow freedom of movement. Multi-use elasticated fabric splints are also sold, making them even more useful for users.
Functional splints are an important aspect of both immediate treatment and rehabilitation in a healthcare setting. They are designed durably, with careful consideration given to the materials and increased usage, which significantly impacts their longevity. Hence, durability and maintenance are paramount for operational splints due to cost considerations and the requirements for patient care.
Functional splint durability is closely tied to effective maintenance. Moreover, it's been noted that in clinical settings, the splint's lifespan is closely related to the degree of care that is afforded to it. Routine care keeps operational splints functioning optimally, therefore preventing the need for replacement.
Operational splints are required in various conditions, from emergencies to long-term rehabilitation. After an injury, someone may need a splint as a transition space before they receive more care. In most cases, splints are often used in the rehabilitation stages to enable recovery completely. Knowing where operational splints can be used helps take the right approach to fix an injury so that the right operational splint is applied based on the injury.
Functional splints are applied in emergency medical cases, especially in first aid cases, where they offer provisional skeletal support for people with broken limbs while waiting for more intensive care. In accidents, first responders use elasticated foam splints, which are light and can be fixed quickly and efficiently, allowing good immobilisation and minimal disturbance to the injured area. In cases where the injury is suspected to be more severe and needs extra support, metal or thermoplastic splints can be applied. These splints are essential during situations where the victim's life is endangered, and there is a continual need to relieve pain and avoid further injury.
Splints are also important in the recovery time after surgery, particularly surgeries involving bones and joints, like hip or knee replacements and fracture repair. In these cases, a wireframe or thermoplastic splint is commonly employed to support the surgical site and maintain stability. Post-operative rehabilitation involves gradually returning the body to normal activity, but during this process, splints can help prevent contractures, which are abnormal tightening of the skin, muscles, and other associated tissues.
Functional splints are usually employed to help manage chronic musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. Thermoplastic or elasticated fabric splints are commonly used in these cases since they allow for a more comfortable longer-term support while aiding in the reduction of pain and swelling. For example, in arthritis, splints can help the joints stay in position, reducing pain and swelling. People with cerebral palsy have to keep their hands and feet in the right position, so they often use thermoplastic splints. These splints help prevent tightening, which can cause problems for people with these conditions.
In orthopaedic care, operational splints are applied to realign or correct the positioning of body parts, particularly in the case of deformities or after prolonged immobilisation. Craniofacial deformities, scoliosis, and clubfoot corrections are among these planned and postnatal splints. Thermoplastic splints are usually designed to shape them according to the required alignment over some time gently. They are preferred mainly because they are less painful and allow for gradual correction, unlike more aggressive methods, which include surgical intervention.
Choosing a clinic splint for business means weighing the factors that influence operational splint efficacy against cost considerations. Striking this balance incorporates practical aspects of splint functionality, durability, and ease of use.
A1: A functional splint serves to support and stabilize injured body parts, allowing for some mobility while protecting the injured area. They are widely used in rehabilitation to help patients recover from injuries, especially in the limbs, by supporting damaged tissues and enabling functional use of the affected part during the healing process.
A2: The duration for wearing a splint varies depending on the type of injury and individual healing rates. It can range from a few days for minor injuries to several weeks or months for fractures or severe ligament damage. A healthcare professional should be consulted to determine the appropriate length of time based on specific recovery needs.
A3: The main difference between a splint and a brace lies in their functions and designs. A splint is usually a single, stationary piece of material that restricts movement in an injured area, primarily used for immobilization. In contrast, a brace is a more complex device designed to provide support, stabilization, and, in many cases, limited mobility to allow for some functional use of the injured part while still offering protection.
A4: In certain cases, a splint can effectively be applied at home, particularly for minor injuries such as sprains, mild fractures, or soft tissue injuries. However, it's very important to seek medical guidance for more serious injuries and consult the doctor to ensure the proper type of splint is used for the injury.
A5: Yes, a functional splint can be reused. Functional splints work well for short-term use with different patients and situations. They should be cleaned and adjusted for new patients or injuries to keep working well each time.