A splint is a rigid support with padding used to immobilize and protect an injured body part, preventing further movement and injury and minimizing pain. An orthopedic cast encases a limb, usually with plaster or fiberglass, to stabilize and hold structures like broken bones in place until healing. Casts provide more support than splints for broken or injured limbs. Splints are easier to apply and adjust if swelling changes. Splints and casts are used to immobilize fractures, sprains, infections, and postoperative injuries or corrections. Common materials include plaster, fiberglass, metal, plastic, and bamboo. Potential limitations include pressure sores, burns, dermatitis, edema, joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, malpositions

1. What is a splint?
• A splint is a rigid support with padding made from
metal,plaster,plastic.It is used to support,protect or
immobilize an injured or inflamed part of the body.The
purpose of the splint is to prevent movement of the
injured extremity which helps prevent further injury,and
to minimize pain.

2. What is a cast?
• An orthopedic cast,or simply cast,is a shell,frequently made from
plaster or fiberglass,encasing a limb to stabilize and hold anatomical
structures,most often a broken bone in place until healing is
confirmed.

3. Difference between splint and cast
Casts provide more support and protection than splints for a
limb that is broken or injured.
Splints are easier and faster to use. They also can be
tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in limb decrease
or increase

4. Indications of splints and casts
• Fractures
• Sprains
• Joint infections
• Acute arthritis
• Lacerations over joints
• Puncture wound and animal bites on limb

5. Indications of splints and casts
• To reduce or prevent contracture
• To stabilize and rest joint in ligamentous injury
• To correct deformity
• To support and immobilize joint and limbs postoperatively

6. Splinting materials
• Modified Thomas splint
• Metal Spoon splint
• PVC pipe splint
• Bamboo splint
• Spoon splint

7. Casting materials
• Plaster of Paris
• Synthetically based fiberglass

8. Limitations of splints and casts
• Pressure sores
Skin breakdown is most common complication
Cast that are applied too tight without proper padding will lead
to pressure sores over bony prominences
Loosening and distal migration of casts will lead to friction
and blisters

9. Limitations of splints and casts
• Burns
Setting of plaster is an exothermic reaction
In patient with sensitive skin this exothermic reaction can cause burs if not
adequetly padded
• Dermatitis
• Distal edema

10. Limitations of splints and casts
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle atrophy
• Malpositions/Displacement
• Deep vein thrombosis