External Thermoplastic Splints

External Thermoplastic Splints
External thermoplastic splints are orthopedic devices designed to provide customizable support and immobilization for various musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. These splints are made from lightweight, moldable materials that become soft and malleable when heated, allowing them to be molded directly to a patient s body for a precise fit. They are particularly useful for upper limb fractures and injuries, offering a lightweight alternative to plaster casts.

Thermoplastic splints can be customized to fit specific needs, such as maintaining the hand and fingers in a reflex-inhibiting position or keeping the wrist in a neutral position to help reduce spasticity. They are available in different forms, including sheets, strips, and precut options, which offer varying levels of customization and waste reduction.

When using thermoplastic splints, factors like perforation level and thickness are important. Higher perforation levels make the splint lighter and more comfortable, suitable for smaller body parts, while lower perforation levels provide more stability for larger body parts needing more support. The thickness of the material ranges from 1.6mm to 4.0mm.

Thermoplastic splints can be categorized based on resistance to stretch (RTS): Maximum, Moderate, or Minimum. Maximum RTS materials are best for beginners or infrequent splinters, requiring constant handling and continual effort to contour. Moderate RTS materials are highly versatile, achieving good fit with light handling and pulling, suitable for most splints. Minimum RTS materials require a light touch to stretch or fold and are great for experienced splinters.

For external nasal splints, it s important to follow specific instructions. For example, CHOYTONG Thermoplastic Nasal Splints should not be placed in water hotter than 80C and should not stay in hot water for more than 10 minutes. Users have reported that these splints can be challenging to mold and set and may poke the eyes, but they can be reused by reheating them.