A cast is a plaster coating to support a broken limb and immobilise the affected part. It keeps the thumb in a fixed position called the “glass holding position”. A cast is not always better than a splint. A pin may be put in your bone or cast and hooked to ropes and a pulley. Splints: Splints are made of fiberglass or plaster and are used to immobilize a specific joint/area. The cast or splint keeps the injured area from moving while it heals. For simple injuries like fingers that don't require a cast, you can save a ton of money by doctoring yourself. Thumb Spica is an orthopedic cast or thumb splint used for therapeutic immobilization of thumb injuries. They both do a good job of immobilizing a broken bone or an injured area. The difference between this and a cast is that a cast is wrapped completely around the body part where a splint is made of strips of fiberglass/plaster. Cast was removed yesterday and I was given a velcro splint, which I can adjust for tighter or looser fit, and I can remove it. Your child needs a cast or splint. The severity of the fracture will help determine if a cast or splint is the better treatment option. Traction pulls on the bone pieces to pull them back into place. The cast or splint keeps the injured area from moving while it heals. A cast, splint, or brace may be placed on your wrist to decrease movement. Definitive Treatment of Limb Fractures With Splints or Casts Coaptation is an essential tool veterinarians must have for limb fracture treatment, and the keys to successful use include case selection, fracture reduction and cast application, and post-application care and monitoring. These devices will help hold the bones in place while they heal. Web sites routinely discuss a cast for six weeks, then a splint. This is applied by a plaster technician over a bandage layer, and is not done by a first aider. Some casts are waterproof. This not only allows the undisturbed torn ligament or fracture healing , but also helps us to perform a few activities, like holding a glass or a book and so on. Then you will be given a removable wrist splint to wear for comfort and support. A synthetic cast is made from fiberglass or plastic strips, making it lighter than a plaster cast. Traction may be needed if your bone broke into 2 pieces. We use them primarily after surgery. I have sprained several of my fingers through the years, and always used a splint. Usually not protective to the top of the foot, and doesn't allow walking. Brace: Should primarily be used for sprains and stable stress fractures that require reduced motion of the foot. Your doctor will tell you the type that has been put on your child. If the distal radius fracture is in a good position, a splint or cast is applied. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/care-of-casts-and-splints A splint is a rigid thing (can be purpose made or whatever comes to hand) which is strapped above and below a … A splint, which is also called a half cast, is made from slabs of plaster or fiberglass held in place with a bandage wrap. Splints, sometimes called half casts, are a less supportive, less restrictive version of a cast. It often serves as a final treatment until the bone heals. Splints are often used temporarily when swelling is present. I guess I never really thought that there was a difference between the two. I have often used the words splint and brace as the same thing. Movement can cause pain, delay healing or make the injury worse. Usually a cast will remain on for up to six weeks. I'm not clear on the wrist healing process. Splint: Stability of the cast with room for swelling. 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