2. • The splints are devices or means used temporarily for
immobilizing or supporting fractured bones or injured
joints prior to hospitalization or seeking medical help.
• They are mainly applied for fractures, sprains, strains or
dislocations.
3. Purposes
• To immobilize a fractured or injured body part prior to
hospitalization
• To prevent injury to blood vessels and nerves from jagged
edges of the bone
• To reduce pain induced by fracture
• To manage sprains and strains
4. General rules
• The splint should be large enough to cover the joint above and
below the fracture
• It should be wide enough to support the area
• It should be well padded to prevent injury to the limb
• It should applied without interference with circulation
• It may be applied over clothing or may be applied with a cloth over
the skin
• Splints may be improvised from piece of wood, card board, thick
folded paper, sticks etc
• The body parts of the casualty itself can be used for the purpose.
( 1. in case of injured lower limb, uninjured limb may be used as a
splint,
2. for upper limb fracture, the trunk of the victim can be utilized as a
splint)
6. Splinting fractures of upper limb
• Place a pad in the axilla to prevent pressure on blood
vessels and nerves.
• Place two padded splints, one in inner aspect (medial)
and the other on the outer ( lateral) aspect of the arm.
• Secure padded splints in position with triangular
bandages ( folded as cravats) or with roller bandage.
• Place forearm in sling to prevent movement.
7. Splinting for fractures at or near elbow
• Keep the arm at approximately 45 degree angle from the
body
• Apply padded splint to medial surface of the arm just
below axilla to wrist
• Apply another padded splint to lateral surface of the arm
extending from shoulder to wrist
• Secure splints in position with triangular bandages
( folded as cravats) or with roller bandage
8. Fracture of forearm, wrist hand
• Place padded splints on the medial and lateral aspect of
the forearm, wrist and hand
• Secure with triangular bandages/ roller bandage
• Place splinted arm in sling with the hand several inches
above the level of the elbow
9. Splinting fractures of lower extremities
• Can be splinted with the unaffected limb
• Padded wooden piece can be used
