Table of Contents
What is thermoplastic splinting?
A thermoplastic splint is a custom-made medical device used to treat orthopaedics problems or rheumatology disorders of the upper limb (fingers, hand and wrist). It can be utilised at all age. It is made of mouldable plastic, adjusted and fitted perfectly to a part of your limb.
What is splint material called?
Thermoplastic splinting material
Thermoplastic splinting material is used to create low temperature splints that protect and support fracture and sprain injuries. This material is lighter than traditional plaster casting and easier to remove and clean.
What plastic is used in splints?
thermoplastic
Low-temperature thermoplastic (LTT) materials are the most commonly used to fabricate splints. The materials are considered “low temperature” because they soften in water heated between 135° and 180°F and the therapist can usually safely place them directly against a person’s skin while the plastic is still moldable.
What are thermoplastic sheets?
KYDEX® Thermoplastic sheet is an excellent choice for applications where appearance, toughness, or complex thermoforming is required. It is used for thermoformed equipment housings, airplane, bus and train interior parts, kiosks, medical devices, and POP displays.
Can you shower with thermoplastic splint?
Your splint is completely waterproof. It is safe to wear while showering, bathing, washing dishes, and even swimming. Any time your splint gets wet it must be removed and dried to avoid your skin becoming soft, soggy and damaged (macerated).
How do you fix a thermoplastic splint?
Reheat only the thumb portion of the thermoplastic by dipping it in hot water (185 degrees) for 10 to 15 seconds or using a household iron set to a medium setting (Steam OK). Reapply the splint and allow it to cool.
What is thermoplastic cast?
Thermoplastic splints can be made out of thermoplastic splinting material to support hand, wrist or arm injuries. The material is activated with heat and is custom-fit as it moulds directly onto the patient. The splint can be secured with velcro or taping materials, making it removal for hand hygiene and exercises.
How do you clean a thermoplastic splint?
If possible, have someone help wash the splint for you while you gently wash your hand. The splint can be soaked, scrubbed, disinfected or deodorised! Cool soapy water is usually best. Splint and hand should be thoroughly dried before the splint is replaced.
Can thermoplastic get wet?
It is resistant to moisture and most of the chemicals. It is flexible at room temperature (and low temperature) and can be heat sealed.
How strong is thermoplastic?
Depending upon their chemistry they can be very much like rubber, or as strong as aluminum. Thermoplastics are light weight, with densities of . 9 to 2 gm/cc. Some high temperature thermoplastic materials can withstand temperature extremes of up to 600 F, while others retain their properties at -100 F.
What is a scaphoid fracture of the wrist?
Scaphoid Fracture The scaphoid is one of eight small bones that make up the “carpal bones” of the wrist. It connects two rows of these bones – the proximal row (closer to the forearm) and the distal row (closer to the hand). This connection puts it at extra risk for injury (Figure 1).
Should I wear a splint after a scaphoid fracture?
If you are tender directly over the bone after a scaphoid fracture, you may be asked to wear a splint. The scaphoid can be injured when a significant load is placed on the extended wrist, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand.
What are the symptoms of a broken scaphoid bone?
Scaphoid fractures usually cause pain and swelling in the anatomic snuffbox and on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may be severe when you move your thumb or wrist, or when you try to pinch or grasp something. Unless your wrist is deformed, it might not be obvious that your scaphoid bone is broken.
How do you get a scaphoid fracture?
Scaphoid fractures are caused by trauma to the scaphoid bone of the wrist, usually as the result of a fall on an outstretched hand focused on the thumb side. What can I do for a scaphoid fracture at home?