Is a splint better than a cast?
Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Do you need a cast for a broken hand?
Immobilization. Restricting the movement of a broken bone in your hand is critical to proper healing. To do this, you’ll likely need a splint or a cast. You’ll be advised to keep your hand above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling and pain.
Can a splint heal a fracture?
Splints and Casts Many broken bones (also called fractures) can be treated with a splint or a cast. They keep the bone from moving, which helps it heal. It also cuts down swelling and pain.
Can I take splint off broken hand?
If you have a splint, do not take it off unless your doctor tells you to. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Can I wear a splint instead of a cast?
Splints – also known as “half-casts” – provide less support than casts, but are easier to use and can be adjusted. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases.
Should a hairline fracture be casted?
Treatment for a hairline fracture looks different than that of a more severe fracture. You likely won’t need a cast, but the doctor may recommend that you wear a brace to keep your arm immobile. You should also rest your arm and use ice to control the pain.
Is a fractured hand the same as a broken hand?
This injury is also known as a fractured hand. Some people may also refer to it as a break or crack. To be diagnosed as a broken hand, the bone must be affected — one of the bones may be broken into multiple pieces, or several bones may be affected.
Can a broken hand heal in 2 weeks?
Broken hand recovery time will be different for every injury and every patient. With proper treatment, broken fingers will typically heal within a few weeks and broken hands within one to two months, although it may take several months to make a complete recovery from a severely broken hand.
What is a hand splint?
Wrist and hand splints are provided to people who need protection and support for painful, swollen or weak joints and their surrounding structures. Their designs make sure you position your wrist and hands correctly. There are two types of hand or wrist splint: splints used for resting joints of the wrist and hand.
Can broken hand heal its own?
A broken hand can heal by itself. But without proper treatment, it’s more likely to heal incorrectly. Specifically, the bones might not line up properly.
How long does broken bone in hand take to heal?
Usually, it is for about 3 weeks. Most fractures heal well. After healing, your knuckle may look different or your finger may move in a different way when you close your hand. Some fractures require surgery.
When to use a cast instead of a splint?
The decision to recommend a cast instead of a splint on the first assessment of a fractured bone depends on a few factors which include the type of fracture and the level of swelling present. Just like a splint, a cast can either be made of fiberglass or plaster.
When do you need a splint for a broken arm?
Most cases of arm or leg fractures require splinting before a cast is molded. But splints for broken bones seem to have gotten a bit of a bad reputation, especially when parents expect the traditional cast to be molded on their child’s bone fracture almost immediately after an injury.
What kind of fracture can be casted soon after injury?
Fractures that can be casted soon after injury are mostly minor “hairline” or of the “non-displaced” type. A non-displaced fracture is a break in which the bone remains aligned properly, despite being broken. Besides hairline fractures with minimal swelling, splinting is the preferred method for initial stabilization of the fracture.
How many sheets of cast do you need for ulnar splint?
For an average-size adult, upper extremities should be splinted with six to 10 sheets of casting material, whereas lower extremities may require 12 to 15 sheets. Figure 1. Ulnar gutter splint with underlying stockinette and circumferential padding.
