Splinting in Burn Patient
The therapist must be aware of the anatomy and kinesiology of the body part to be splinted prior to fabricating a splint or an orthotic device.
Splinting Definitions
1. Static splint:
Static or passive splints indicate that the affected joint or joints are to be immobilized or be movement restricted.
2. Dynamic splint:
A dynamic splint is one that achieves its effects by movement and force. "It is a form of manipulation". It may use forces generated by the patient's own muscles or externally imposed forces using rubber bands or springs.
Splinting devices are used to:
Appropriately position a body part
Support, protect, and immobilize joints
Prevent and/or correct deformity
Protect new grafts and flaps
Maintain and/or increase ROM
Aid in edema and pain reduction
Remodel joint and tendon adhesions
Stabilize and/or position one or more joints enabling other joints to function correctly
Assist weak muscles to counteract the effects of gravity
Strengthen weak muscles by having the patients exercise against springs or rubber bands.
Splints should:
Not cause pain
Be functional
Cosmetically appealing
Be easy to apply and remove
Be lightweight and low profile
Be of appropriate materials
Allow for ventilation.
Mechanical Principles of Splinting:
Reduce pressure on the body surface: by increasing the area of contact.
Gain a mechanical advantage (MA) and control parallel forces by increasing the MA.
Use optimal rotational forces when mobilizing a joint by dynamic traction. Dynamic traction should be applied at a 90° angle.
Torque: Consider the torque effect on a joint.
Stabilize proximal normal joints to correctly mobilize distal affected joints and placing straps.
Increase splint strength by contouring the material's surfaces.
Eliminate friction and splint migration with proper padding.
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