The New International Encyclopædia/Splint (surgery)

SPLINT (Swed. splint, spike, forelock, flat iron peg, Dan. splint, splinter; connected with Eng. split). In surgery, a certain mechanical contrivance for keeping a fractured limb in its proper position, and for preventing any motion of the fractured ends; it may also be employed for securing perfect immobility of the parts to which it is applied in other cases, as in diseased joints, after resection of joints, etc. Many different kinds of splints are used, but wood and plaster of Paris are most common. In using wooden splints we take light strips slightly wider than the limb and long enough to reach beyond the joints that lie to either side of the injury. The fractured ends are brought as nearly as possible into their normal relation, thoroughly padded with absorbent cotton to prevent pressure or friction, and then the splints are applied and firmly bandaged to the limb, so as to prevent all motion. Wire netting, gutta percha, leather, and other materials are also frequently employed, as they can be molded to the shape of the limb. In the same way plaster of Paris can be applied to one side of a limb, carefully molded to it, and held in place by bandages. All movable splints, however, have the disadvantage that they must be readjusted from time to time, and thus the fractured limb is subjected to handling.

The plaster of Paris splint is desirable, therefore, in many cases. The limb is carefully protected with a light layer of non-absorbent cotton, especial care being used to guard bony prominences and to avoid any unevenness. Coarse, wide-meshed bandages well rubbed with dry plaster of Paris are immersed for a moment in water and then applied like ordinary bandages, each layer being rubbed into the one beneath so as to make a firm cohesive splint. The plaster should include the joints to either side of the injury. This splint may be both strengthened and lightened by the introduction of wooden or metal strips between the layers of plaster. Drying takes place rapidly and gives a firm resisting splint. In compound fractures or in operative cases a fenestrum may be left over the wound proper and an opportunity thus given to attend to the required dressings without disturbing the splint.