Types of Splints for Fractures and Joint Injuries

Exploring different types of splints for finger, thumb, and arm fractures. Learn how to apply medical splints and create homemade versions for support.

What Are the Different Types of Splints?

Published Aug,14 2017 | By Robin Gilbert

Splints are used to immobilize an extremity that has been injured. The injury can be a broken bone or a severe sprain. Splinting provides stabilization of the injury, some amount of pain relief and prevention of further injury.

Robin Gilbert has been writing professionally since 1998 and specializes in health-care topics. Her writing has appeared in the "Emergency Nursing Connection," "Nursing Management Secrets" and "Comprehensive Care of the Pediatric Patients." Gilbert has her Master of Science in nursing from St. Joseph's College in Maine. She has more than 20 years experience in emergency nursing and is a CEN and CPEN.