Splint

A rigid or flexible device used to support and immobilize a fractured or dislocated bone or joint. Splints can be made from various materials like plaster, fiberglass, metal, or wood, and are applied to maintain alignment, reduce pain, and promote healing. They restrict movement of the injured area, preventing further damage and allowing the body's natural repair mechanisms to work. Splints are often a temporary solution, preceding or replacing a cast. They may also be used prophylactically for injuries, or even to treat repetitive motion injuries.

Splint meaning with examples

• After breaking his wrist during a basketball game, the doctor applied a fiberglass splint to stabilize the fracture. This kept his wrist from moving while it healed, and was much easier to manage than a full cast. He was told to keep the splint clean and dry and to return for regular check-ups to monitor his recovery, a plan that worked.
• The hiker, after twisting his ankle miles from help, fashioned a makeshift splint from branches and his backpack to stabilize the injury. This improvised solution allowed him to hobble back to civilization, where he could seek proper medical attention. The quick thinking and ingenuity were key to getting him home.
• The physical therapist prescribed a night splint for the patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. It prevented the wrist from bending during sleep, reducing pressure on the median nerve and alleviating the tingling and numbness the patient had been enduring. The plan was well-received by the patient.
• The vet carefully placed a custom-molded splint on the injured leg of the injured dog following a car accident. The splint kept the fractured bone aligned while it knitted back together, allowing the dog to maintain his mobility. Proper care was followed in providing the dog support while recovering.