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2. Splinting

• Purpose: Provides temporary or semi-rigid immobilization, often used in the acute injury
phase to allow for swelling.
• Materials: Prefabricated or custom-molded thermoplastic, fiberglass, or plaster splints.
• Application:
o The splint is applied with soft padding to accommodate swelling.
o Elastic bandages secure the splint while allowing some adjustability.
• Advantages:
o Allows for swelling and reduces the risk of compartment syndrome.
o Easier to remove and adjust compared to casts.
• Common Uses:
o Initial treatment before definitive casting.
o Immobilization for stable fractures and soft tissue injuries.

3. Bracing

• Purpose: Provides functional support for fractures while allowing controlled movement.
• Materials: Hard plastic, carbon fiber, or metal-reinforced structures.
• Application:
o Used for fractures that require stabilization but benefit from early motion.
o Often used for stress fractures, minor fractures, or post-cast treatment.
• Advantages:
o Allows controlled weight-bearing and mobility.
o Can be removed for hygiene and rehabilitation exercises.
• Common Uses:
o Tibial stress fractures.
o Clavicle fractures.
o Post-operative stabilization.

4. External Fixation

• Purpose: Stabilizes complex or open fractures when internal fixation is not feasible.
• Materials: Metal rods, pins, screws, and external frames.
• Application:
o Pins are inserted into the bone above and below the fracture site.
o An external frame stabilizes the fracture while allowing soft tissue management.
• Advantages:
o Effective for open fractures or fractures with significant soft tissue damage.
o Allows for soft tissue monitoring and wound care.
• Complications to Monitor:
o Pin tract infections.
o Loosening of fixation elements.
o Delayed union or nonunion.