Posted on 20 Mar 2024
When you experience an injury to your finger or hand, you may require a splint or cast. Both casts and splints are orthopedic devices used to support broken or injured bones and joints. At Neaman Hand Surgery, our doctors are highly skilled in placing both casts and splints to help ensure proper healing. Read on to learn more about these treatment options and the differences between them.
About Splinting
The term “splint” is used to describe a device that temporarily immobilizes a joint following an injury. Many different types of injuries may call for a splint, including ligament or muscle strain, never-compression conditions, tendon rupture, arthritis, some types of fractures, and more.
Splints can be categorized as prefabricated or custom. Prefabricated splints are available to purchase off the shelf and are available in a few sizes. Custom-fitted splints are prefabricated with a customizable component that can be molded to the body part, while custom-fabricated splints are created to uniquely fit your body.
Depending on your injury, you may be able to remove your splint for bathing. If this is not an option, you will need to wrap your splint in a waterproof material to keep it dry.
About Casting
A cast provides support and protection for a limb that is injured or broken. They are typically made of plaster or fiberglass and are easily fit to the shape of the injured area. Casts are commonly used to help you heal from a bone fracture.
A cast is applied to the injured area in layers. First, a soft fabric called a stockinette is placed on your body. Next, a cotton roll or soft padding is placed. Fiberglass and plaster are both available in rolls of strips. Your doctor will moisten these strips and lay them over the treatment area. These strips will be layered to form the cast.
You will not be able to remove your cast yourself after it is applied. Because of this, you will need to protect your cast from moisture while bathing.
Differences Between Casts and Splints
There are a few differences between casts and splints that set them apart. Casts wrap completely around an injury and can only be removed by a doctor. All casts are custom-made. Splints do not wrap all the way around the injured area and may be removed at home. Unlike casts, splints can be tightened or loosened if swelling in the area increases or decreases.
Whether you need a cast or a splint will depend on your injury. Our team of hand specialists can help determine the best treatment option for you.
Contact Us Today
If you have experienced an injury to a finger or hand, contact Neaman Hand Surgery today. Our team of skilled providers is here to help you heal quickly. Contact our Salem, OR office today at 971-224-7862.
