Incorrect Use of Splints Causes Poor Healing in Children

A splint is often used to stabilize the injured limb and reduce pain in kids suffering from potential fractures until the patient is seen by an orthopedic specialist.

However, many splints are put on incorrectly, leading to swelling, skin irritation and poor healing, according to a study to be presented Saturday, Oct. 11 at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.

Colles Fracture / Broken Wrist
Colles fracture or broken wrist is a wrist fracture, which occurs within an inch of the wrist joint. Colles fracture involves the forearm bone’s distal end of the radius.

"Splints are effective for immobilization of fractured extremities in children and adolescents when placed appropriately," said lead author Joshua M. Abzug, MD, FAAP, director of pediatric orthopedics at University of Maryland Medical Center and assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Unfortunately, many practitioners in pediatric emergency departments and urgent care centers incorrectly apply splints, potentially causing injury."

Dr. Abzug and his colleagues evaluated 225 patients younger than 18 years who came to a pediatric orthopedic clinic for an evaluation with a splint on. Patients or their parents filled out a questionnaire that asked when and where the splint was applied, the type of splint used and who applied it (e.g., orthopedic physician, emergency medicine physician, nurse practitioner).

Researchers then evaluated the splint to determine if it was the correct length and whether the elastic bandage was directly on the skin. After the splint was removed, the injured area was examined for any soft tissue complications caused by the splint, and an orthopedic physician evaluated the patient and made a diagnosis.

Fracture - Types - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
A fracture is a condition where the continuity of the bone is lost. Majority of bone fractures occur because of high force impact or stress on a bone.

Results showed that 93 percent of the splints were placed improperly. The most common errors were application of the elastic bandage directly to the skin (77 percent), improper positioning (59 percent) and inappropriate splint length (52 percent).

Skin and soft tissue complications caused by splints were seen in 40 percent of patients. Furthermore, 12 percent of patients had two or more complications. The most common splint-related complication was excessive swelling, which was present in 28 percent of patients. Direct injury to the skin and soft tissue, including scrapes, blisters and ulcers, was seen in 6 percent of patients. None of the injuries required intervention other than local wound care.

Stress Fracture - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Stress fractures are small fractures which often occur in the weight bearing bones of the lower leg and foot, mostly due to frequent repetition of an activity.

"Increased education regarding the specific techniques involved in the placement of splints as well as awareness of the possible injuries associated with improper application may be beneficial to members of the primary treatment team," Dr. Abzug concluded. "Furthermore, special care must be given to infants and non-communicative patients in splints who cannot effectively convey pain or discomfort."

Source-Eurekalert