Splint Management Care

Reference Number: HEY-797/2023
Departments: Orthopaedics
Last Updated: 25 October 2023

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Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

This leaflet has been produced to give you (or carers of a patient) general information regarding care of a splint. Most of your question will be answered by the nurse applying this device and by the manufacturers guidelines, which will be enclosed with your/the patient’s documentation.

The splint has been applied to support the injury you have sustained. It will provide support and reduce movement to enable the injury to heal.

Complications that may occur whilst in a splint

If any of the following occur, contact the Fracture Clinic nursing staff, however should the Fracture Clinic be closed, contact the Emergency Department:

Increased pain that is not helped by pain relief and rest.
Swelling, numbness, blueness, paleness or discolouration which is not bruising.
Pins and needles.
You/the patient is unable to move their joints which are not included in the splint.
You/the patient feel a burning sensation under the splint as this could be a blister or a sore.
Any discharge or smells.
The splint becomes loose or tight.

Checklist for a patient with a splint

Elevate the limb with the splint.
Check skin daily for redness/sores and contact fracture clinic immediately.
Check straps are firm but not tight and are supporting the injury.
Check position of splint and it is supporting your injury.
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines which will be given to you.

Orthopaedic/Fracture Clinic staff to complete

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Orthopaedic / Fracture Clinic Department on tel no (01482) 674378 or 675181.