Why do you need a leg splint for injury: types, selection criteria, contraindications. Is it possible to remove a splint if a leg is broken?

A frank interview with a German rheumatologist after working in Russia for Russia Today

Dr. Klaus Maier

Head of the Department of Joint Surgery at the Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Bonn

Read the interview

“Russian medicine is a mystery to me. They treat joints for years instead of 3 weeks and reject new effective remedies!” Click the “Read interview” button

What is a splint and what is it for?

The splint is a plaster-based bandage, which is secured on top with a regular bandage. Using this device, the damaged area of the leg is fixed in an anatomically correct position. It reliably protects and covers the injured segment of the leg. It is used not only for healing fractures, but also for correcting congenital pathologies of bones and joints of the legs. Correction of congenital leg pathologies is carried out in early childhood, when bone structures are just forming and can be corrected.

The splint is a removable structure, which, unlike a simple plaster cast, is very convenient because it makes it easy to carry out sanitary and hygienic procedures. People call a splint a splint.

An elastic bandage is placed on top of the plaster splint, covering the completely damaged area. For pathologies or damage to the joint, only elastic bandages are used. The bone structures are fixed with other splints.

These structures are made from different materials. There are devices called clamps that are made of plastic. It better immobilizes the limb and keeps it in the required position.

Pros and cons of orthosis

The advantages of all types of orthoses are:

Light weight. They are much lighter than plaster casts.
Aesthetics: orthoses look neat, not bulky, and can be covered with clothing.
Strength. Modern materials are resistant to moisture, corrosion, mechanical stress, they do not tear, practically do not break, providing reliable protection for the damaged part of the body.
Moisture resistance. Plastic orthoses do not get wet, and fabric pads can be dried with a hairdryer. The fixing properties are not reduced.
Comfort. Wearing orthoses instead of a cast is much more comfortable. There is a lining under the plastic or fiberglass that provides a soft fit and free air exchange. The orthosis is fixed on the limb with straps; there are special pads for the bones. Everything is provided to ensure that the medical device does not chafe.
Removable, adjustable and re-fixable. The patient can remove and put on the orthosis himself without the help of others. This gives freedom of movement and activity is not limited.

The only disadvantage is the high cost. But taking into account the fact that recovery with orthoses is faster and rehabilitation is not required, as after wearing a cast, the price is justified.

Characteristics

The main indications for wearing a plaster splint on the hand, forearm, and wrist joint are fractures of tubular bones, ruptures of ligaments and tendons, dislocations of the hand and other joints, including habitual ones. Bandages are made from special bandages of various lengths and widths. In addition to the fabric base, the dressing material contains gypsum.

Plaster bandage.

After wetting the bandage in water and applying it to the injured arm, it hardens and takes the shape of the limb, fixing it in the correct position. This promotes the healing of bone fragments, torn ligaments or muscles, and the relief of inflammatory or destructive-degenerative processes.

In pharmacies or medical equipment stores you can purchase more modern versions of plaster splints - plastic devices with metal and fabric inserts. They are sold under different names:

hard bandages;
tires;
orthoses;
retainers.

Wrist orthosis with forearm grip.

Traumatologists usually apply a plaster splint for a fracture of a tubular bone, such as the radius. The joints are usually secured with rigid or semi-rigid orthoses. When wearing such devices, a certain range of movements is maintained. There is no displacement of articular structures that impedes healing, but muscle atrophy and tissue ischemia are completely excluded. The likelihood of developing irreversible post-traumatic changes in hyaline cartilage is also reduced.

Arrests of doctors: rheumatologists deprived patients of the most effective remedy for joint pain!

Bubnovsky Sergey Mikhailovich

leading rheumatologist of the country, deputy. Chairman, 1st Deputy Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution NIIR named after. V. A. Nasonova

Find out more...

What is happening is what our law enforcement agencies should have done a long time ago - arrest this entire mafia. Just think about these numbers - more than 1 million crippled lives in 12 years! People, most of them pensioners, turned to doctors for help. And instead of treating, they profited from people’s suffering, knowing in advance that the remedies they prescribed would not help. And this practice was widespread not only in commercial ones, but also, worst of all, in public clinics.

The use of plaster or plastic retainers reduces the stress on damaged tissues, and, if necessary, completely eliminates them. The severity of pain decreases, inflammatory processes slow down and stop, and swelling resolves. This allows traumatologists and rheumatologists to reduce doses of NSAIDs, analgesics, muscle relaxants and glucocorticosteroids that damage the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.

Type of splint for fixing the arm	Design features and scope
Soft	They have a cotton or elastic synthetic base. Some models are equipped with rigid inserts to prevent excessive stress on injured joints. One of the types of bandages (elbow pads, wrist joint fixators), used for treatment and preventive purposes
Medium hardness	The design of the splints contains metal or plastic inserts (plates, knitting needles, rings) for more reliable immobilization. Medium-hard models are usually used for dislocations, subluxations, partial ruptures of muscles, ligaments, tendons, exacerbations of arthrosis or arthritis, lateral and medial epicondylitis
Hard	This group includes plaster splints and complex, durable plastic orthoses. Finished products are equipped with a fastening system - hooks, metal snaps, buttons. As the tissue is restored, the degree of fixation decreases, which makes it possible to strengthen the muscular frame of the arm at this stage. Rigid orthoses are often used for long bone fractures

Plaster and plaster bandages

The most classic example of a fixing material is gypsum. This powder, mixed with liquid, is applied in a circular manner to the injured area, hardens and takes shape, making the limb immobile.

Medical plaster bandage is a more advanced form of fixation, which consists of strips of gauze impregnated with plaster mass. The plaster is evenly distributed over the gauze and secured with a special bacteriostatic agent. To apply, the plaster bandage is pre-moistened and only then applied to the injured area, where it is smoothed and hardened. Additionally, such a retainer can be secured with an elastic or gauze bandage.

Plaster and plaster bandages are most often used in trauma departments for bone fractures, soft tissue injuries, joint diseases, etc.

Device types

Fixing plaster bandages are of the following types:

Rear device. Used for short-term immobilization of an injured limb. The device is applied to the back of the leg and securely fixed with a bandage. When wearing a rear device, it is possible to independently adjust the degree of fixation. The photo below clearly shows the method of immobilization using a posterior structure as a result of a hip fracture.

Jones bandage. Used to fix joints to reduce swelling of soft tissues. This bandage reduces painful symptoms. Consists of several levels: soft material and flannel fabric. The soft material envelops the sore joint, and the flannel immobilizes it.

Plantar splint. Used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and helps relieve pain and swelling in the foot resulting from plantar tendon traction. The brace is applied so that the toes point upward, as shown in the photo below.

How to diagnose a broken finger

Upon palpation, the pain sharply intensifies and does not go away for a long time (an hour or two).
When a fracture occurs, a sharp pain is felt, which can radiate to the nearest parts of the foot. Deformation of the phalanx, unnatural position of the finger. Swelling and strong (acute) pulsation at the fracture site.
If there is a fracture, the victim cannot move the injured finger. Any attempt to stand on the affected leg causes the patient to experience severe pain. To relieve pain symptoms, the affected finger is fixed in one position.
Hemorrhages form under the nail, hematoma and swelling appear, and the skin becomes bluish.

Types of splints

The most common is the Jones bandage. The device is designed in such a way that it allows you to securely fix the foot from the back of the heel. This type of fixation is necessary for certain injuries.

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Using the Jones bandage, you can reliably fix the damaged area without squeezing the tissues or disrupting normal blood flow. The device is a soft printed material, which is wound into a roll for more convenient wrapping of the injured limb. Often the design contains an additional flannel layer - it helps to reduce the mobility of the injured limb and reduce pain.

Gypsum splints, which have a tensile effect, are also common. They are mainly used to correct abnormalities in the structure of the ankle, are used together with drug treatment, and are effective. The back surface of the splint, made of gypsum, is about 10-15 centimeters thick.

A plaster splint is used to limit mobility, as a result, the healing process of the damaged limb is greatly facilitated. The device is applied to the back of the injured leg and securely fixed using special elastic bandages. It is necessary to control the tension of the bandages based on pain sensations.

Another type of splint is a stretch splint. It is used to treat fasciitis of the sole. Using a fixing bandage, it is possible to significantly reduce pain in the sole area and eliminate swelling. The clamp has a special shape; it fixes the fingers and directs the tendons upward, promoting their stretching. As a result, the metatarsal bones are formed, and the pain in the heel area goes away. It is important to bandage the injured limb correctly; this is the only way to achieve optimal placement of the splint on the leg.

A stretch splint is also used to treat foot drop. Patients diagnosed with this disease have problems raising their feet normally, which is reflected in their gait. With the help of a splint, the foot is fixed in the correct position, the gait becomes normal, and pain is reduced.

An ankle splint can be used not only for fractures, but also for the treatment of injured ligaments, sprains and tears. Unlike conventional plaster, it provides softer fixation of the injured limb.

In China, they don’t know what back or joint pain is, and they don’t see a doctor until they’re 80 years old!

Konstantin Kovalev

So what to choose for a fracture: plaster or orthosis?

Unfortunately, we cannot say what exactly you need to choose in your case. Only your attending physician, orthopedist or traumatologist can answer this question.

If you have a complex injury, such as an open fracture, then you should not refuse a cast. In any case, you will have to wear it for 7 to 10 days. And after this period, you can always change the cast to an orthosis.

And in the end, we would like to remind you once again that before buying an orthosis, consult your doctor.

Well, if you have already done this, and now it’s time to choose and buy an orthosis, then go to our catalog and choose the right model for yourself. We work in Grodno and deliver goods to your home.

When is a splint used?

It is used to treat the following injuries:

sprains;
ligament rupture,
bruise;
chronic joint instability;
fractures;
paralysis after a stroke;
pathology of the fibula;
various joint pathologies.

In fact, plaster is considered an outdated method of treatment because it is quite uncomfortable and hard. Due to the fact that it adheres tightly to the skin for a long time, it becomes traumatized. Below we will find out what is the advantage of a splint over a plaster cast.

Use of splints in pediatric orthopedics

Splints demonstrate high effectiveness when used in the treatment of injured joints and congenital defects of the limbs in childhood.

A splint for use in pediatric orthopedics is performed depending on the age of the child and the anatomical features of the injured limb. Since the child’s body develops gradually, and the processes of regeneration and restoration are quite strong, the use of a splint together with other treatment methods allows you to quickly obtain the desired result.

As long as the baby wears the splints, any defects in the joints are eliminated, and the gait becomes smoother. As the child gets older, the size of the splint also changes.

Splint or plaster - which is better?

This question is asked by many patients, because even treatment, and especially recovery, should be carried out comfortably. Its main advantage is that it is modeled strictly along the contour of the lower limb. For high-quality fixation, it must cover at least 2/3 of the volume of the leg.

As for the plaster cast, before it is applied to the limb, it is diligently leveled so that there are no folds or unevenness. However, after drying and hardening, the bandage often leads to tissue necrosis. Therefore, it is additionally fixed using a circular method using an elastic bandage.

The advantage of the splint

It lies in the fact that when wearing it you can monitor the condition of the skin. You can sometimes remove it, perform various hygienic manipulations, give the skin the opportunity to “breathe,” take a shower, do scrubs and peels on the damaged area. If increasing swelling is observed, it expands the edge of the bandage, which prevents the development of tissue ischemia. It can also be modeled and modified, for example, converted into a circulatory bandage using additional bandage volume.

In China, they don’t know what back or joint pain is, and they don’t see a doctor until they’re 80 years old!

Konstantin Kovalev

Plaster splints

“An effective and affordable remedy for joint pain exists...” ...

Plaster splints are different from the plaster used for casting in a circular manner. Gypsum is a powder that hardens when mixed with liquid. And when carefully modeling a splint bandage according to the relief of the leg, a plaster bandage is usually used. It is carefully smoothed until the folds that provoke necrosis of soft tissues completely disappear. Then a damp plaster bandage is placed on the leg and secured with gauze or elastic dressing.

Plaster splint.

This method of lower limb immobilization has many advantages over a conventional splint:

the ability to monitor the condition of the skin in areas not covered by the bandage;
the orthopedic device can be easily removed for hygiene procedures or the use of medications for external use;
in case of inflammatory edema, the bandage is displaced, which completely eliminates tissue ischemia (local decrease in blood supply leading to damage to the epidermis);
It is easy to make a circular bandage from a plaster splint by applying additional layers of plaster bandage.

A plaster circular bandage is applied in a continuous thick layer for long-term immobilization for several weeks. In classic bandaging, the dressing material is first wrapped around the limb several times and then secured with plaster. If inflammatory edema develops, then serious ischemic disorders occur, including soft tissue atrophy. Therefore, when injured, doctors use a plaster cast. After its application, a victim with mild or moderate injuries is immediately discharged for further treatment at home. With a circular plaster cast, the patient remains in the hospital for a day under the supervision of medical staff.

How to properly apply the product to your leg

To achieve the desired result, you should correctly apply a splint to the limb. Correct fixation is to immobilize the damaged bone elements in an anatomically correct position. If the hip is damaged, the device is applied to three joints at once. In this case, the plaster is modeled directly on the leg, giving it a comfortable position. During the procedure, you should not move until the bandage is completely dry. In order to avoid rubbing and compression of tissues, as well as damage to the skin, at the site of injury, you need to place something soft (cotton wool, foam rubber, etc.) at the ends of the bandage. But at the same time, the fixing device should not be too loose.

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Also, if the knee joint is damaged and its functions are impaired, the entire leg must be fixed. Such injuries are common among athletes. When providing first aid, you can use a homemade splint instead of a splint. The tire can be an ordinary board, plywood, ski, in other words, anything that is at hand. An important point is that the tire must be the size of a person’s legs. First, a tight bandage is performed, and then a splint is applied.

When applying the device to the ankle joint, first of all, you should set the bone fragments if a displaced fracture has occurred. In this case, it is also necessary to apply a splint and fix the entire leg to the knee with a bandage. If the injury is accompanied by a partial tear of the ligaments, it is recommended to apply a removable brace in the form of a boot, which can be changed after a few days.

A frank interview with a German rheumatologist after working in Russia for Russia Today

Dr. Klaus Maier

Head of the Department of Joint Surgery at the Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Bonn

Read the interview

“Russian medicine is a mystery to me. They treat joints for years instead of 3 weeks and reject new effective remedies!” Click the “Read interview” button

It should be noted that ankle fractures are not very common. In this case, it is imperative to carry out a diagnosis, since the symptoms of a fracture are very similar to those of a dislocation or bruise.

If the ligaments are sprained, the limb is also completely immobilized. After all, an injury is a violation of the integrity of the ligaments; in order for them to recover, reliable immobilization is necessary.

Algorithm for applying a splint

For quick and correct restoration, this fixation device must be of the correct size. Measurements (length and width) are taken from the healthy leg. The splint should be equal to half the circumference of the limb.

In this case, the following rules should be adhered to:

You should prepare a container for water, a bandage, and scissors in advance;
the best immobilization occurs when 2-3 joints are captured;
Before applying the bandage, the leg is given a comfortable position;
during the fixation process, the leg must be motionless;
to create comfort for the affected limb, the fixator must repeat its shape;
in order to control the condition of the damaged area, the fingers are left open, that is, they are not bandaged;
the bandage must harden, so it must be handled with care until it dries;
The retainer should not be excessively tight or loose.

If lower limb injuries are not treated promptly, they can lead to serious complications. In some cases, surgical treatment is performed because manual repositioning of the bones is necessary.

Ankle fixation

An ankle fracture or injury is a fairly common injury, which is manifested by a visible change in the normal shape of the ankle and the occurrence of acute unbearable pain. If a limb is damaged and the described symptoms appear, you must immediately seek medical help and undergo an x-ray examination. It is the x-ray that will help confirm or refute the likelihood of a fracture and indicate to the doctor the location of the dislocation or displacement.

If there is no fracture, the doctor places a special splint in the ankle area and securely ties it to the ankle using an elastic bandage.

An elastic bow has a number of advantages over a regular gauze bandage - it can be used repeatedly, has increased plasticity, due to which it allows you to securely fix the limb and prevent squeezing.

The elastic bandage is easily removed for additional treatment procedures - treatment of swollen areas on the leg, antiseptic treatment of the wound, application of medicinal ointments.

Sometimes a splint is applied to the ankle after a fracture - when there is no longer a need for a cast, but the joint still needs to be fixed in a certain position. The bandage fits securely to the leg, does not loosen and fixes the joint.

Contraindications

There are a lot of recipes on the Internet for applying a plaster cast to the leg at home. Such self-medication causes even greater tissue injury. It is impossible to diagnose the type of injury, the degree of damage to the joint or its tendon-ligamentous apparatus without instrumental studies. In case of comminuted fractures or severe displacement of bone fragments, surgery is first performed in a hospital setting. The fragments are removed, the bones are set in a physiological position, the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels are sutured. And only after sutures are applied, a splint is used.

It is allowed to use gypsum tapes only for making a splint. Using this device, the victim is taken to the emergency room for medical care.

Knee fracture

In case of severe impairment of the functionality of the knee, splints that completely cover the entire leg are also used for fixation. They can be used not only for fractures of various categories, but also for joint injuries, ruptured ligaments, tendons, and dislocations. During casting, the knee joint is wrapped in a plaster cast over a light, airtight pad. The upper part of the bandage is in place of the thigh, and the lower part goes around part of the foot. The splint is attached with special tapes.

As the integrity of the bones and the functionality of the knee are restored, they are replaced with simple and elastic bandages. If necessary, for examination by a doctor or for procedures, the bandage can be easily removed. Until the knee functions are fully restored, movement is allowed only with the help of a wheelchair or crutches. Even after the condition improves, only the doctor decides whether the bandage can be removed or whether it is too early.

Toe injury

The diameter and weight of the plaster splint will vary depending on the location of the damage. To fix the knee joint or hip bone, you need the largest amount of material for dressing, and the finished bandage will have an impressive size. In fact, when installing a splint on a toe, the bandage will be small in size. In fact, the bandage on the finger can reach large sizes, it all depends on the damage. Most often, a splint is used for fractures in the process of a significant impact or compression of the surface. At the moment of injury, a burning pain of an acute nature appears, swelling occurs, and a hematoma begins to form. Before application, the doctor treats the injury site with antiseptic solutions and then applies a bandage.

In the case when the big toe breaks, a splint is applied not only to it, but also to the entire foot and area of the lower leg. If the fracture occurs on the middle phalanges of the fingers, then the bandage is made in the form of a slipper on the foot. The bandage is well secured to the sole with dressing material, thereby eliminating the possibility of bone displacement in any plane. This bandage is applied for approximately 1–1.5 months until complete fusion of the bones. Sometimes it is necessary to remove it for rehabilitation procedures and examination by a doctor. During the recovery process, a person with such an injury can move only with the use of crutches or in a wheelchair, so as not to damage the casted leg.

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Kinds

When the ankle is injured, a variety of splints are used. When choosing a method for applying plaster casts, the traumatologist takes into account the degree of injury and the area of its localization. What splints are used:

the most common are called “Johnson bandages”. They immobilize the feet along with the back surface of the heel. The plaster cast gently compresses the injured areas, allowing you to control the formation of inflammatory edema. When fixing, soft printed materials rolled in several layers are also used. There is soft flannel fabric under the bandage to make it comfortable to wear and reduce the severity of pain;

A bandage is applied to immobilize the foot.

A back splint made of plaster with a thickness of 10 to 15 cm is also called a splint. The bandage is made so that when it is applied, the back surface of the injured leg is covered. The splint is attached to it with special bandages. When winding them, the doctor controls the tension to avoid squeezing the leg and causing pain. Such an orthopedic device is needed to immobilize the foot or ankle to accelerate tissue regeneration;

Rear splint.

plaster splints with a stretching effect are intended for the correction of fasciitis (inflammatory and degenerative changes in the plantar fascia) along with its drug therapy. This type of bandage is designed specifically for the treatment of fasciitis, relieving its painful symptoms, which worsen with swelling. It immobilizes the toes in the superior position, providing maximum stretch to the plantar tendon and fixation of the metatarsals. The splint is secured in the ankle area with splint tapes using a special bandaging technique.

A bandage with a stretching effect is used in the treatment of “foot drop” (unilateral foot drop), a pathology of peripheral or central origin. The development of the disease is indicated by problems with raising the leg and a sharp change in gait. After applying a plaster splint, the foot is in a physiological position.

Types of plaster casts: fenestrated (a), bridge-like (b), splint (d), split (removable, splint) (e).

Fractured toes

“Doctors are hiding the truth!”

Even “advanced” joint problems can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day...

The size of the cast depends on the part of the leg that is injured. To immobilize a knee or hip joint, a large amount of dressing material is required, and the external device itself is bulky. It would seem that the toe splint should be small. This is not always true. Typically, a plaster cast is applied when a bone is broken as a result of a strong blow or compression. At the time of injury, acute pain occurs, the finger swells, and a hematoma quickly forms. After antiseptic treatment, the traumatologist applies a plaster bandage.

Plaster for a broken thumb.

If the big toe is severely damaged, the bandage is applied to the entire foot and part of the lower leg. In case of fractures of the main or middle phalanges, it covers the foot in the form of a plaster slipper. The splint is securely attached to the sole with bandages and does not allow the bones of the broken finger to move relative to each other. Duration of use is 1-1.5 months until complete tissue restoration. It is removed from time to time for water procedures and medical examination. During the rehabilitation period, the patient moves only on crutches, without using the injured leg.

Injury to the knee joint

For serious knee injuries, splints covering the entire surface of the leg are used for immobilization. They are applied for fractures, including intra-articular fractures, dislocations with ruptures of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The joint is bandaged with plaster tape over a soft, breathable pad. The upper edge of the splint is located in the thigh area, and the lower ends near the foot. The bandage is secured with splint tapes. As the joint structures heal and active functionality of the knee is restored, they are replaced with conventional medical or elastic bandages. This makes it easier to remove the bandage for examination of the leg by a traumatologist. Until the knee is completely healed, the patient is allowed to move only on crutches.

Plaster splint for knee or hip injury.

Ankle fracture

This injury is very severe and widespread. Its clinical manifestations are acute pain and crunching at the moment of fracture. After a few hours, the ankle swells, large hematomas form, and the victim completely loses the ability to move. The injury is often visualized as a change in the shape of the ankle. But such a thorough examination is not required to go to the hospital. The resulting pain is so piercing and unbearable that not seeing a doctor is out of the question. After examining the X-ray images, the traumatologist immediately applies a plaster cast or after surgery. For fractures, a permanent cast is applied. But as damaged articular structures are restored, it is possible to use a splint to prevent muscle atrophy and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. It is secured with elastic orthopedic tapes. They are reusable, stretch well, but securely fix the leg and joint.

Immobilization of the joint in case of ankle injury.

Making a splint with your own hands

This fixing device can be made by hand. To do this, you need to have gauze cloth soaked in plaster and dry plaster itself. Gypsum is mixed with water in equal proportions, then after a few minutes it is checked how hard it has hardened. To do this, squeeze the material in your hands. The plaster must remain intact, not break or crumble - in this case, everything is done correctly. If the material is unstable, breaks and crumbles in your hands, and also has an unpleasant odor, then mistakes were made in its preparation.

After the solution has been made, take a bandage three meters long and cut off its edge. Such bandages are better modeled because they are more elastic. The prepared mixture is applied to a certain area of the bandage, several layers are made (4-7) and the ends are folded towards the middle. Then, using water, vigorously smooth them out with your hands. The resulting bandage is applied to the damaged limb, and small incisions are made on the protruding areas (on the heel).

Use of additional materials

When spraining ligaments and dislocating a joint, use not gauze with a bandage, but an elastic bandage with plaster. The use of an elastic bandage has a number of advantages, since it is more flexible and reusable. These characteristics contribute to the rapid healing and restoration of injuries, since the device is easily removable and allows you to treat swelling with the help of special creams and ointments. Doctors advise using a removable device with an elastic bandage only a week after the injury. If there is such a possibility, then it is better to use synthetic polymer gypsum, which does not break or crumble when hardened.

Plastic fixtures

A splint is also a name given to a ready-made orthopedic device that is simply attached to the leg. It is intended both for the treatment of pathologies and elimination of the consequences of injuries, and for the prevention of tissue destruction. For example, hip splints are used to diagnose hip joint immaturity in young children. Wearing them promotes the correct formation of articulation. Splints are used for fractures of a toe, ankle, or knee joint. They are more convenient than gypsum analogues, easier to remove and clean. The name “splint” is rarely used for external devices in medicine, but in everyday life it is very common. What can this term mean:

bandage. The simplest way to fix the leg, slightly limiting its mobility. This is a thick elastic bandage secured with straps or Velcro. A splint made of hypoallergenic materials allows air to pass through well, warms and creates a massage effect;

Semi-rigid ankle brace.

orthosis A complex rigid structure that protects injured parts of the leg (fingers, foot, ankle or knee joint). The design of the splint has metal or plastic inserts for better fixation. An orthopedic device prevents the impact of excessive loads on injured or pathologically affected areas of the lower limb;

Dynamic ankle orthosis.

splint. Made in the form of a capsule into which the injured leg is placed. The design of such a splint has no hinges, and its frame is made of polymer materials, less often metal. The surface of the splint is made of cotton or synthetic, which is highly breathable. To secure the splint to the leg and provide the necessary degree of fixation, a complex system of fastenings is used.

Plastic thin splint for fixing the joint.

To immobilize the limb, splints are used to provide mechanical support. It is equipped with a hollow solid frame, which is complemented by wooden, metal or plastic elements. Parts in contact with the skin are made of natural hypoallergenic materials.

Type of orthopedic device	Characteristics
Soft	Movement in the joints is slightly limited. Made of dense, elastic fabrics, equipped with a fastening system. Prevent stress on injured or diseased joints, prevent excessively intense movements that can provoke further damage to cartilage, muscles, ligamentous-tendon apparatus
Semi-rigid	Made from natural and synthetic materials. The design includes rigid inserts in the form of spirals, plates, and rings. Some devices are equipped with hinges and levers to prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis and prevent leg injuries during sports training
Hard	The degree of rigidity is similar to plaster casts. But unlike them, the splint can be removed. When worn, they do not provoke muscle atrophy due to the loose fit and massage effect

Gypsum: pros and cons of use

Plaster casts have been used for a long time. They are very inexpensive, materials for them are available in every hospital or emergency room. At the same time, they quite reliably and rigidly fix the injured limb in a stationary position. This is where the benefits end. The disadvantages include:

bulkiness, heavy weight, unattractive appearance: the bandage gets dirty quickly;
inability to combine with clothes or shoes;
the material gets wet and, as a result, becomes deformed, which leads to a loose fit and poor-quality fixation;
motor activity is limited, the patient is uncomfortable moving;
the plaster cast rubs, the skin under it sweats and becomes irritated.

In addition, it is impossible to perform medical manipulations with a limb under a cast. During wearing, the plaster completely blocks movement; with prolonged treatment, the muscles atrophy. It is not removed during treatment.