What Is a Splint?
A splint is a medical device used to support and immobilize an injured body part, most commonly a limb. Splints are similar to casts but are less rigid and often removable. They're typically made from hard plastic, metal, or fiberglass material padded with soft foam or cotton, then secured with elastic bandages or Velcro straps.
Splints serve several important purposes: they keep broken bones or injured joints from moving so they can heal properly, reduce pain by preventing movement, decrease swelling by providing compression and support, and protect the injury from further damage. They're commonly used for fractures, severe sprains, and other orthopedic injuries in children.
📌 Key Difference: Unlike casts that completely encircle a limb, splints typically cover only part of the circumference, allowing for swelling and making them adjustable. This makes them ideal for initial injury treatment.
Types of Splints
Prefabricated Splints
Ready-made splints in standard sizes:
- • Wrist splints
- • Finger splints
- • Ankle splints
- • Knee immobilizers
- • Quick to apply, adjustable
Custom-Molded Splints
Made specifically for your child's injury:
- • Plaster or fiberglass material
- • Shaped to child's limb while wet
- • Hardens into rigid support
- • Held with elastic bandages
- • Can be adjusted or removed
Sugar Tong Splints
U-shaped splint that extends around elbow or wrist—named because it looks like sugar tongs used for picking up sugar cubes
Posterior Splints
Applied to back of limb, common for lower leg injuries
Thumb Spica Splints
Immobilizes thumb and wrist, used for thumb or wrist fractures
Splints vs. Casts: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Splint | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Partial (one side) | Complete circumference |
| Adjustability | ✅ Can be adjusted or removed | ❌ Cannot be removed |
| Swelling | ✅ Allows for swelling | ⚠️ Can become too tight |
| Initial Use | ✅ Ideal for fresh injuries | Better after swelling subsides |
| Comfort | Generally more comfortable | Can feel restrictive |
| Duration | Days to few weeks usually | Weeks to months |
How to Care for Your Child's Splint
✓ DO:
- • Keep splint clean and dry
- • Elevate injured limb above heart when resting
- • Move fingers/toes frequently to promote circulation
- • Ice around splint edges (not directly on splint)
- • Follow all activity restrictions
- • Check skin daily for irritation
- • Adjust straps if too loose (removable splints)
✗ DON'T:
- • Get splint wet (use plastic bag for bathing)
- • Remove splint unless doctor says it's OK
- • Stick objects inside splint to scratch
- • Put powder, lotion, or sprays inside
- • Trim or modify the splint yourself
- • Let child use injured limb normally
- • Ignore warning signs of problems
⚠️ When to Call the Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your child experiences:
• Increased pain not relieved by medication
• Numbness or tingling in fingers/toes
• Blue, pale, or cold fingers/toes
• Unable to move fingers/toes
• Excessive swelling at splint edges
• Foul odor from splint
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Splint becomes too tight or cuts into skin
• Splint becomes too loose and doesn't support
• Skin breakdown or pressure sores
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about splints and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for splint care and follow-up. If you have concerns about your child's splint or healing progress, contact your doctor.