Arm splint: types, types, features and differences

An arm orthosis is an orthopedic device for the upper limb, used to partially or completely immobilize (immobilize) the affected area or the entire arm and reduce the load on it.

It is used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the osteoarticular system. It is also used during the rehabilitation period after injuries or operations on the upper limb.

General information

The splint is used in medicine in the treatment of simple limb injuries, as well as sprains of muscles, ligaments and dislocations of joints. Its peculiarity is that it is very simply applied to the limb, in contrast to a plaster cast, the application of which requires certain skills. A splint is often used to treat a fracture of the wrist bone.

If the patient has a fracture without displacement of the bones, the doctor will apply a bandage to fix the bone.

Duration of wearing is about 4-6 weeks. If the injury is displaced, then before applying a splint, the bone fragments are connected. Surgery may be required to connect the bone processes with wires. The period of wearing a splint in such cases depends on the nature of the damage and the rate of healing of the bone tissue.

Wrist sprain: conservative treatment

The therapeutic plan for a sprained hand depends on the extent of the injury. In the first degree, rest and wearing a bandage or bandage are required. Rehabilitation exercise therapy classes are introduced after 11-14 days. It is recommended to first warm up the hand to increase ligamentous flexibility. After exercise, a cold compress is applied to the wrist to prevent inflammation.

With a moderate injury, tears occur, so treatment for a hand sprain takes longer. The bandage or cast is worn for 4-8 weeks. First, start with light exercises to reduce swelling, and then with strengthening exercises. If a complete rupture of the ligaments occurs, then it is often difficult to do without surgical manipulation. After ligament reconstruction using an open method or arthroscopy, you will need to wear a plaster cast for up to 9 weeks. Then about 1 month. wear a bandage. A rehabilitation course will also be required. First, light exercises are performed for a month for recovery, and then a course of strengthening physical education of increased intensity. Prescribing physiotherapeutic procedures is also useful.

In the process of treatment for sprained ligaments of the hand, various types of drugs are prescribed, the action of which is aimed at relieving pain, relieving inflammation, and reducing swelling. It is permissible to use both general products and local preparations. Ointments, gels and creams have a slower speed of action compared to drugs taken orally or intended for injection. However, they quickly help to quickly relieve symptoms.

To speed up the process of treating hand sprains, a combined approach is used, combining the use of general medications and local effects.

Often, a wrist sprain requires rehabilitation measures. Rehabilitation is especially important after surgery. The patient is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures and massage. Actions to restore mobility are performed after acute symptoms have been eliminated. After removing swelling and minimizing pain, physical therapy is prescribed - electrophoresis, mud therapy, paraffin therapy, laser treatment for hand sprains, wave and magnetic therapy.

These procedures must be carried out by a specialist, the duration is determined by the doctor. In this case, possible contraindications should be taken into account when treating hand sprains.

It is worth noting that conservative methods of treating hand sprains are quite effective, but make the healing and recovery process quite lengthy. ArthroMedCenter specialists offer an innovative method for treating sprains using MBST therapy.

Moscow, metro station Dubrovka, st. Sharikopodshipnikovskaya, 6/14

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.

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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.

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.

Types of joint bandages

Joint braces provide varying degrees of support, so they are conventionally divided into three groups:

1. Light level of support.

Made from lightweight fabric. Relevant for minor bruises and slight dislocations. They are not used for arthrosis of the wrist, knee or ankle joints.

2. Medium level of support.

Made from dense and elastic materials. Suitable for fixing the joint in case of severe injuries, including in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Warmth is retained inside the bandage, so blood flow to the damaged area improves.

3. Strong degree of protection.

Orthopedic devices have a complex design with special steel spokes to completely immobilize the joint. This bandage warms the joint and relieves tension, so it is used in especially severe cases.

Most often, for arthrosis, moderate fixation bandages are prescribed.

Types of splints

In traumatology and orthopedics, the most common types of splints are:

• Fixed with bandages. They come in plaster, plastic and fabric. The main function of such devices is to support the upper limbs. They are also applied to the hand for cracks and sprains.
• A splint is a splint for fixing a finger. A frame structure made of solid polymer or other materials, covered with a waterproof material on top. Fastening to the hand is carried out by clamps: special Velcro or fasteners.
• A splint is a structure that fixes a joint during a fracture and also helps support it during the recovery period. Based on the degree of fixation, there are soft splints (slightly limit the movement of the joint, used during the rehabilitation period), semi-rigid (distribute the load on the joint, used by athletes during training), and hard (analogous to a plaster cast).

When hand restraint is required

The bandage can be used for preventive purposes. Athletes use the brace to reduce stress on tendons, joints and bones in order to prevent sports injuries.

Using an orthosis, you can prevent contact of the damaged area of ​​skin with irritating environmental factors.

The use of an orthosis helps prevent the development of post-traumatic complications:

• Mixture of broken bone.
• Edema.
• Development of the inflammatory process.
• Acute pain with deforming arthrosis.

The orthosis ensures proper healing of the broken bone. For complex fractures, the bandage is used to fix the arm after installation of the endoprosthesis.

For deforming arthrosis, mass-produced bandages are used.

Description of splints

A splint is a brace that is used after limb fractures, muscle sprains, ligament damage or dislocations. Devices can be made of plaster, plastic or other materials. An arm splint for a fracture is a shortened bandage in the form of a hermetically sealed wide bandage impregnated with plaster.

When it is applied to a broken arm, it takes its shape and then hardens. This provides the necessary fixation for proper bone healing. The splint is much lighter than the usual plaster casts, not so bulky and ideal for children. Can be used for fractures of the upper limbs. This provides the hand with the ability to move.

A splint is an alternative to plaster. Fabric and plastic retainers have now begun to be produced. They are most suitable for fractures of tubular bones; for joints it is better to use ready-made splints. Orthoses are also prescribed for sprains, dislocations, and help cope with pain and inflammation.

Difference from plaster cast

A splint is an alternative to a conventional plaster cast. It is quite heavy on the hand, and especially on the fingers. If a hand is damaged, unlike plaster, which covers it completely, a splint is applied only to the damaged part, while the fingers remain free and mobile.

If there is pressure on the vessels, you can loosen the fixation yourself. It is also very easy to remove. An important advantage of the splint is the fact that when used, soft tissues are not compressed, which avoids disruption of blood flow. By removing the splint, you can monitor the condition of the skin of the injured limb.

Ready-made splints are often used in traumatology. It could be:

• a wide bandage, spilled with plaster inside,
• a plastic product (requires preheating) a thermoplastic bandage that is applied in the form of a plastic mass according to the shape of the limb.

When using a plastic-based option, rapid cooling of the mass helps to properly fix the damaged area. This type of splint is easy to use, does not cause allergies, and is moisture resistant.

Depending on the severity of the injury, a plastic splint can be used, consisting of two plates secured to the injured limb with bandages.

Splints are also made from fabric, which allows the victim to select the appropriate size of the product. Such bandages are called orthoses. These are devices that fix the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint of the upper limb. Orthoses are used in the treatment of damaged ligaments, joints, and soft tissues to fix the arm in case of minor injuries, and also as a rehabilitation bandage after removal of the cast.

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General information about dressings

A scarf is a piece of gauze in the form of a scarf or scarf. This is an essential component of a home first aid kit.

Advantages:

• Simplicity and ease of application.
• Easy to make in extreme situations.
• The ability to quickly provide first aid to a large number of injured people.
• Suitable for use as a hemostatic tourniquet.
• Does not require removal when transporting the victim.
• A great self-help option.
• Can be made from scrap materials.

Disadvantages of such a bandage:

• Insufficient fixation strength.
• The need for additional treatment of the wound surface.
• Dressing skills required.
• The need to control the fixation of the bandage.

Advantages of retainers

Such fixatives have a number of advantages in contrast to plaster fixation. The hand retains the ability to make some movements. This prevents muscle atrophy and disruption of normal joint function in the future. Fasteners:

1. Significantly reduce the load on tissues, which helps reduce inflammation and pain.
2. There is no itching or discomfort under the bandage if you can wash your limbs.
3. Allows you to track the correct fusion of bones using x-rays. Rays pass through solid plaster with difficulty.
4. After the fracture has healed, a person can even remove the splint on his own.
5. The lightness of the clamp is especially noticeable when fingers are injured. Regular plaster leads to immobilization of adjacent phalanges. As a result, they take a long time to recover. The splint fixes only the broken finger, without causing discomfort to the others or limiting their movements.

The orthosis prevents compression of blood vessels and swelling. Even if they are present, the swollen tissues do not put pressure on the arm.

What is it, benefits

Using an elastic bandage on the wrist can solve the following problems:

• fix movable joints, preventing sprains;
• distribute the load on muscles and ligaments;
• remove excess moisture from the body, which is especially important during active training.

It is recommended to fix the wrist joint with an elastic bandage in the following cases (if there is a corresponding doctor’s recommendation):

• arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis;
• diseases associated with inflammation of muscles and tendons;
• paralysis;
• paresis;
• bone fractures;
• muscle strain in the wrist area.

How to wear?

Complications when using a fixative are inevitable if you do not follow your doctor’s recommendations. A plaster cast cannot be removed without assistance, unlike a splint, which can be easily removed. In this regard, you need to know that putting on a retainer in a different position or removing it ahead of schedule without consulting your doctor means deliberately harming your health. Only a traumatologist can determine the time the splint is on the injured joint.

The main signs of incorrectly wearing a splint are as follows:

• the appearance of swelling with increasing pain in the injured limb;
• bluish skin color;
• numbness of fingers or hand.

Before applying a splint to the thumb for fractures, dislocations or sprains, treatment in the form of destruction or reposition may be prescribed. This imposes more stringent requirements on compliance with the treating doctor's recommendations for wearing a retainer.

How to remove it correctly?

The splint is removed after complete restoration of the bone structure. An x-ray makes it possible to verify the effectiveness and correctness of the treatment.

You need to know not only how to make a finger splint, but also how to remove it after treatment. The device is removed by a doctor or nurse. The splint applied with a bandage is removed with special scissors after cutting. During removal, the hand must rest on a support or be supported.

After this, the limb is thoroughly washed and cream is applied. Depending on the complexity of the injury, physiotherapeutic treatment is selected.

Complications after removal

As with any other treatment, there are cases of complications when applying a fixator.

Unsuccessful consequences of the recovery process can be:

• unfused bone tissue;
• unstable or improper bone healing;
• the appearance of a false joint;
• pathological swelling.

If one of the listed factors is detected, you must immediately consult a doctor for re-treatment.

However, such complications are extremely rare. This is explained by incorrect wearing of the splint and non-compliance with the doctor’s instructions. If you do not self-medicate, such consequences are unlikely. To restore the functionality of the limb and avoid negative consequences in the future, there is no need to be negligent in the rehabilitation process; you should perform the necessary exercises and procedures.

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Complications of a broken arm

Complications of radial bone fractures are divided into 2 large groups: immediate and long-term complications of injury. Immediate complications of injury develop due to the effect of damage resulting from a bone fracture on the normal functioning of the limb. Long-term consequences of injury are complications that arise as a result of inadequate treatment or disruption of normal healing after injury.

Immediate complications include:

• ruptures and injuries of the nerves that provide sensitivity or mobility of the limb;
• injuries to the finger flexor tendons;
• tight swelling of Turner's hand;
• damage to large vessels;
• complete or partial muscle rupture;
• separation of muscles from places of attachment to bone;
• acute infectious complications (with open fractures).

Long-term consequences of injury include:

• ischemic contracture - impaired mobility of the joints of the affected limb due to an incorrectly applied plaster cast, which compresses the soft tissues, disrupting the blood supply;
• long-term infectious complications;
• violations of the bone structure due to improper restoration of bone fragments, incorrectly applied plaster cast;
• long-term consequences of hemarthrosis.

Complications of a fracture of the radius aggravate the course of the pathological process, slow down the formation of callus and the restoration of function of the upper limb. From the first days after the reposition of bone fragments, rehabilitation specialists at the Yusupov Hospital begin a complex of physical therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at preventing complications of a fracture of the radius.

How to apply a splint

Applying a splint to the arm is a responsible matter, since inept fixation can lead to serious complications.

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The gypsum used plays an important role - the higher its quality, the better it mixes with liquid and becomes solid. The quality of gypsum can be checked as follows: the powder is mixed with water until the consistency of thick sour cream is obtained, then the hardening time is checked, it should be about 15 minutes.

To prepare the product, the work table is covered with a special oilcloth, gypsum powder is sifted onto it, a wide bandage is placed on top, then another layer of plaster. The bandage is placed in a basin with warm water. After the plaster has absorbed enough water, the bandage is squeezed out and laid out on the table surface.

The required number of dressings (on average, 6 pieces) are made immediately. Before application, the bandages are smoothed and checked for unevenness and folds on the surface, since even the slightest fold when the plaster dries can lead to the development of complications, including necrosis of the skin of the limb.

To apply the splint, the patient’s skin is generously lubricated with Vaseline so that it can be easily removed in the future.

In case of injury to the ulna or wrist joint of a limb, a bandage is applied to the outer surface of the arm for two-thirds of its length. The arm should be fixed in a bent position, the elbow should be at an angle of 90 degrees. In case of a fracture, the bones must be anatomically correctly aligned, and the joint must be set back in place if it is dislocated.

Bandage bandages are applied very carefully without the use of force, one on top of the other, giving the product the shape of a limb, while the fingers are not fixed. You can place cotton wool under the edges of the cast to prevent the skin from rubbing when touching the cast. The last step in applying a splint is fixing it with a bandage after the bandage has hardened.

How to apply it to your finger

In a similar way, a splint is applied to a finger, and the number of layers in such a bandage is 5-6. After applying a bandage, especially a splint on the wrist for wrist injury, the condition of the skin of the fingers is checked after fixation.

If the fixation is too tight, the blood supply may be disrupted and sensitivity may be lost. In this case, to avoid the development of complications, the splint is loosened or a new one is applied.

Prevention

Experts recommend the following as preventive measures for carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. When working at a computer, keep your arms bent at a right angle at the elbow. When working with the mouse, the hand should be straight, and support (mat, stand) is needed under the wrist;
2. The work chair should have armrests so that your arms do not hang in the air;
3. If your professional activity involves performing monotonous movements, you must wear a support bandage;
4. During work, it is recommended to take breaks and perform gymnastics for the hands: shaking, squeezing the hands, circular rotations, pressing one palm onto the other.

Following these simple recommendations will help you avoid pinched nerves in your wrist and live a full, active life.

Carpal syndrome is a common condition in the modern world; everyone has encountered it at least once. It is important not to ignore the symptoms, but to consult a specialist in time. Prescribed treatment, coupled with regular prevention, will help you forget about pain and numbness in your hand.

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Areas and features of using clamps

Ready-made fixatives are now being produced. You can buy them at any pharmacy. They are widely used for sprains, dislocations, and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. For the wrist joint, splints can be used for synovitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthrosis.

Retainers are used during heavy physical activity and sports. The devices help maintain the limb in the desired position and protect against additional injuries. At the same time, splints improve blood circulation and have a warming effect.

Ready-made splint fixators

Ready-made arm splints can be purchased at pharmacies. Products have different sizes. If you do not select the right one, the effectiveness of the fixator is significantly reduced. Ready-made retainers can be made from different materials. For example, knitted fabric, neoprene.

For rigid fixation, products made of plastic and metal are recommended. Splints are fixed on the limb using special straps with Velcro or lacing. All clamps have a certain degree of rigidity:

1. Soft splints are made from dense elastic materials. The products are designed so that the skin “breathes”. Soft clamps almost do not restrict movement, allowing you to bend the phalanges and wrist. In addition to fixation, they simultaneously perform a light massage and have a warming effect.
2. A medium-hard splint works the same way, but has plastic or metal stiffening ribs. They strengthen the grip on the palm side.
3. Rigid models are more often used for fractures, when complete immobility of the joints is necessary.
4. A splint is one of the types of splint. The device is designed on the same principle, but allows you to increase the distance between the phalanges of the hands. Wearing such a retainer becomes more comfortable. Can secure all fingers at the same time.

Varieties of the latest modern clamps:

1. Scotchcast is a bandage made of polymer material. Designed for rigid fixation. Advantages: light weight, airtightness and strength. The device does not allow moisture to pass through.
2. Cellacast is made of fiberglass impregnated with polyurethane resin. The advantage is fast hardening, low weight, breathability and moisture resistance. For x-rays, removal of the clamp is not required.
3. A turbocast is a thermoplastic splint. It is very convenient to use due to its flexibility and the ability to adjust parameters. The retainer has many holes, which allows the skin to breathe. The splint does not cause allergic reactions, is easily removed, and is resistant to moisture.

Fixators are contraindicated in the presence of skin lesions, ulcers, erosions, and irritations. Do not use on the site of inflamed sutures after surgery, weak scarring or bleeding.

Attention! Splints are not used for certain types of diabetes, circulatory problems or gout.

This is what happens even with simple fractures!

1. Immediately after injury, the displacement is 15 degrees.

2. Reduction, comparison and fixation with plaster, everything seemed fine.

3. A month later, the bones shifted again and fused with displacement.

It is not too late to perform the operation, but it will be more difficult than osteosynthesis performed in the first 2-3 weeks after the injury, and the result may not be as good.

It is necessary to perform an osteotomy, eliminate the deformity, replace the defect with artificial or your own bone, and fix it with a plate. For strong fixation, the screws must lock into the threads of the plate, creating a single structure with it. The radiograph on the left shows the Chronos block in the defect of the radius after correction of its shortening and deformation. The plate is precisely molded to the shape of the bone. Thanks to stable fixation, empty spaces are quickly filled with bone regenerate.

7 months after the operation, the bone looks monolithic, the regenerate has filled the empty spaces, the shape of the bone and the function of the hand have become normal. The plate does not need to be removed.

Variety of ready-made splints

The most popular finger splint. It is much easier for them to choose the required size. Fixators can be used for all types of joint injuries and deformities, as well as after surgical operations. The most effective devices are produced under the following brands:

• “Or;
• "Ortex";
• "Orlette."

Finger splints are most often used for sprains, treatment of chronic pathologies, and during rehabilitation.
Devices are often used in sports to prevent injury to joints. Ready-made retainers perform the same functions as plaster splints, due to the rigid elements in the design and the ability to choose the right size. If necessary, the devices are reinforced with an additional tire. Such splints are used for fractures. Types of hand clamps:

1. A finger splint is a metal strip, upholstered on the inside with soft foam material. The latch reliably blocks the phalanx on both sides, completely immobilizing it. It is possible to regulate the density of immobilization, the position of the finger, and the force of pressure on it. Thanks to correctly distributed load, swelling is prevented and relieved.
2. The splint for the thumb has a wide range of models. The fixator is available only to immobilize the joint or simultaneously covers the wrist. The immobilizer can have different shapes and degrees of rigidity, and at the same time provides micromassage. The inside is made of neoprene, the outside is made of polyamide. The stiffeners are made of stainless steel. At the same time it covers the wrist and is fixed with Velcro.
3. The wrist splint comes in different sizes and can be adjusted. Usually made in the form of two parts of dense plastic. Secure with Velcro straps. A children's model range is also produced separately. They have their own size scale. Children's splints are painted in different colors to reduce the negative psychological effect.

Any splint for the hand or fingers (type, purpose, stiffness) is initially selected during consultation with a doctor. The required size is selected directly at the pharmacy or medical equipment stores. Before purchasing, you need to try on the retainer so that it fits comfortably on the limb.

You can buy splints in orthopedic Moscow salons. For example, “Health” is located on Grokholsky lane, 10/5. The ORTEKA salon is located on Zeleny Prospekt, 79A or Shelkovskoe Highway, 56/72. The approximate cost of splints is from 103 rubles.

Symptoms

A sprain of the ligaments of the hand is accompanied by constant pain or soreness when moving, swelling and bruising occur. In this case, the temperature may increase, both general and local, in the area of ​​damage. The functionality of the hand is impaired, stiffness and limited movement appear. The location of the injury and its degree determine the specific signs of a hand sprain or rupture. That is why doctors distinguish three degrees of pathology:

1. Mild damage accompanied by micro-tears. In this case, the integrity of the ligaments is usually not compromised. Minor damage to the fibers rarely causes severe pain, and the risk of swelling is minimal. Therefore, the disorder is not always diagnosed in a timely manner, although this is required to prevent complications.
2. Ligament tear. With a partial rupture, the damage is more serious, resulting in pain. Moreover, it can be both intense and moderate. Hemorrhage and swelling are sure to be present.
3. Complete break. As a result of this effect on the tissue, extensive swelling is formed, accompanied by severe pain, both at rest and with movement. Hematoma due to inflammatory changes is not uncommon. In some cases, there are features of the localization of the damage, so limitation of mobility may not be observed. Fever is observed against the background of the pathology.

Most popular models

The German company is a leader in the production of orthopedic products for fixing hand joints. The product range includes preventive or stabilizing bandages and orthoses, hand and wrist splints.

In addition to standard options for retainers, it offers a separate children's model range. Splints are made using new technology - using silver ions. Such threads have an additional antibacterial effect.

It is considered one of the most affordable fixatives. The company provides a large selection of orthoses for the thumb and hand. For example, you can buy a finger splint at a pharmacy for only 490 rubles.

features a large selection of children's braces for the wrist joint. Most of the models are unique and come in three sizes at once. Some splints additionally provide a massage and compression effect.

It is not recommended to select a hand restrainer yourself. For the greatest effect, products must be selected correctly - taking into account the material from which they are made, rigidity, goals, and the age of the patient. Only a doctor can help you determine these parameters. At the pharmacy you can only choose the size yourself and try on the retainer.

Contraindications for use

Contraindications to the use of a splint, especially when applying a splint to the thumb, are:

1. Impaired blood circulation as a result of ligation of large arterial vessels.
2. Anaerobic infection.
3. Phlegmon.
4. Gangrene.
5. Somatic disorders in older people.

It is technically quite difficult to use the latch correctly on your own. In addition, not everyone knows how to make a finger splint and the list of contraindications for its use. After making a diagnosis based on an x-ray, the splint must be applied by a specialist.

A temporary fixing bandage can be applied at home for a short period of time until you can get to a traumatologist or surgeon. Failure to do so may cause circulatory problems, joint damage, or skin infections.