Leg splint for injury. A leg splint is any external orthopedic device. In orthopedics and traumatology, they are used in the treatment of dislocations, subluxations, fractures, ruptures of connective tissue structures, arthritis and osteoarthrosis. They are used to fix the entire lower limb or part of it to accelerate the regeneration of damaged bone, cartilage, soft tissue, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
A splint is called not only a plaster cast, but also rigid, semi-rigid orthoses and bandages. Orthopedic devices reliably immobilize a limb, preventing mutual displacement of its elements. They can be removed for treatment of the injured leg or for examination by a doctor, and put on if necessary.
Plaster splints
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.
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).
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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.
Recommendations for selection
An orthosis made of low-temperature thermoplastic reliably fixes the ankle joint due to its anatomical shape, that is, it follows the natural curves of the joint and relieves it. Thanks to this, the leg is immobilized and is in the correct position for it until complete recovery.
There are a large number of models of ankle orthoses, and the orthopedic surgeon selects the right one. It takes into account the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the joint in a particular person and the degree of tissue damage. It is not recommended to select an orthosis on your own, since if the model is not suitable, the treatment will be delayed.
What determines the choice of ankle orthosis:
- Type of injury or illness (severity, duration);
- Foot size and anatomical features;
- Presence of chronic and concomitant diseases;
- Occupation (athletes need ease and comfort when using an orthosis);
- Is there an urgent need to wear shoes?
ORDEKT products are universal. They are light and compact. They do not interfere with your normal lifestyle, playing sports, or even taking a bath. They are durable and thin, so they can be worn with regular shoes. Our products are chosen by those who are accustomed to maximum comfort!
How to choose the size
For orientation in the sizing chart, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the supramalleolar region. The measuring tape should be applied tightly to the skin, but not pulled. Based on the results of the ankle circumference in centimeters, the size of the ankle orthosis is selected:
- XS (14-22 cm);
- S (22-24 cm);
- M (24-27 cm);
- L (more than 27 cm).
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 |
How long to wear an ankle brace
Wearing time depends on the diagnosis and can range from several hours a day to around-the-clock use. The wearing mode of the orthosis is determined by the doctor! In accordance with the recommendations of a specialist, the load is gradually increased. If the injury is severe, the time spent wearing the orthosis increases. It is recommended to maintain hygiene and remove the orthosis several times a day to treat with an antiseptic.
The joint should be loaded gradually - it must get used to physical activity. Some devices have laces, clasps and straps that loosen as they are repaired. This increases mobility, restores blood circulation, and strengthens muscles. The duration of therapy depends on the pathology and can last from a week to several months.
A correctly selected ankle orthosis will provide the required degree of support and make the recovery process correct and quick. If the orthosis is chosen incorrectly, not only will the recovery process be delayed, but there is also a risk of re-injury. You can independently choose only light fixation orthoses, which are used to prevent injuries, for arthrosis and arthritis.
ORTHOPEDIST-TRAUMOTOLOGIST
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.
How to wear it correctly
An orthopedic traumatologist puts the orthosis on the patient. The specialist will conduct a full consultation and give recommendations for using the product.
When wearing shoes, it is recommended to take a pair 1-2 sizes larger than yours so that the foot does not squeeze.
ORDEKT thermoplastic orthoses can be wetted, you can take a bath or shower in it, and even swim in the sea and pool. The surface of the retainer is easy to clean using a sponge and running water with the addition of soap or detergent. Do not use hard tools to avoid scratching the surface of the product.