Splinting for Burns
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Description[edit | edit source]
A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals [1]. Most burns are due to heat from hot liquids (called scalding), solids, or fire .
A splint is a rigid support made from metal, plaster, or plastic. It's used to protect, support, or immobilize an injured or inflamed part of the body.
Indication[edit | edit source]
Splints are generally used for:
- Prevention of contractures
- Protection of a joint or tendon
- Immobilization following a skin graft
- Decreased Range of Motion (ROM)
- Maintenance of ROM obtained while exercising or during a surgical release
- Poor patient compliance
For patients with burns injury, splints are used to hold parts of the body so that:
- The skin graft can be immobilized and protected while healing
- The skin can be prevented from shrinkage and contractures while healing
- The new grafts and flaps are protected
- The deformity is prevented and/or corrected
- The ROM is maintained and/or increased
- The weak muscles can counteract the effect of gravity
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
add text here relating to the clinical presentation of the condition, including pre- and post- intervention assessment measures.
Resources[edit | edit source]
add appropriate resources here, including text links or content demonstrating the intervention or technique
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Burns. Available from: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/other_injury/burns/en/ (Accessed 29 November 2020)