Splint (medicine)
Splint (medicine)
A splint (pronounced: /splɪnt/) is a device used for support or immobilization of a limb or the spine. It can be used in multiple situations, including temporary immobilization of potentially broken bones or damaged joints and support for sprains or strains.
Etymology
The term "splint" comes from the Middle English "splent," which originally referred to a thin piece of metal. The term was later applied to medical devices due to their similar form and function.
Types of Splints
There are several types of splints, including:
- Air splint: This type of splint is inflated with air to provide support and immobilization.
- Finger splint: A finger splint is specifically designed to immobilize and protect fingers.
- SAM splint: A SAM splint is a malleable and reusable splint, often used in emergency situations.
- Cast: A cast is a type of splint that completely encloses the injured area.
Related Terms
- Immobilization: The act of rendering a body part immobile, often to promote healing.
- Fracture: A break in the continuity of the bone.
- Sprain: An injury to a ligament caused by tearing of the fibers of the ligament.
- Strain: An injury to a muscle or tendon in which the muscle fibers tear as a result of overstretching.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Splint (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Splint (medicine)
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski