Burn Care: Splinting Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of splinting in the C-rehabilitation phase?

To achieve normal ROM

To protect anatomical structures

To restore function and cosmoses

To prevent deformity and maintain natural body contours (correct)

What is the primary purpose of applying splints in burn treatment?

To enhance the patient's cosmetic appearance

To accelerate the wound healing process

To replace traditional burn treatment methods

To support burned extremities and maintain joint position (correct)

What is a characteristic of thermoplastic splints?

They are only used in chronic burn cases

They are non-toxic and absorbent

They are heavy and expensive

They can be remodeled according to their response to temperature (correct)

What is the purpose of splinting in the D-reconstructive phase?

To restore function and cosmoses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a splint that is too tight?

Causing pressure necrosis or nerve compression Signup and view all the answers

When is splinting required in the acute phase of burn injury?

When damage to tendons and joints is suspected Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of securing a splint with dressings or straps?

To ensure proper positioning and prevent wound maceration Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to splint the joint in function position?

To eliminate external forces Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when splints are molded directly to the site?

Evidence of wound maceration or break down Signup and view all the answers

Why should a splint avoid direct contact with a bony prominence?

To prevent pressure necrosis or nerve compression Signup and view all the answers

What is a consideration when using splints in the wound healing phase?

Care must be taken to avoid interference with healing due to improper fit or placement Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of splinting techniques in burn treatment?

They play an important role in preserving functional outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for removing a splint that protects an exposed joint or tendon?

To perform wound care Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of splinting in the preservation of skin graft integrity?

To prohibit motion of the joints which locate under or near the grafted area Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of splints in general?

They are non-toxic, light in weight, and made from non-absorbent materials Signup and view all the answers

Why is daily checking and re-evaluation of a splint important?

To ensure the splint remains effective as the patient's status changes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prevent tendon rupture?

Splint the tendon in a slack position Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to a splint every time it is removed for wound care or exercise?

Cleanse it with an antibacterial agent to prevent wound contamination Signup and view all the answers

Why are thermoplastic splints preferred over traditional materials?

They can be remodeled multiple times according to their response to temperature Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to revise splints?

To accommodate any change in ROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of combining sustained stretch and pressure with serial splinting?

To provide early non-operative resolution of contractures Signup and view all the answers

What type of splinting is useful during the early inflammatory stage of tissue healing?

Static splints Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of burn treatment?

Patient survival and functional outcomes Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of both dynamic and serial static splints indicated?

During the proliferative stage of tissue healing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Splinting Techniques for Burn Patients

A splint is an external device that maintains joints in optimal length and corrects deformities.
Splints are made of various materials, including thermoplastic, which can be remodeled according to temperature response.

Characteristics of Splints

Non-toxic
Lightweight
Made from non-absorbent material
Padded over bony prominence
Easy to shape
Firm enough
Fabricated from inexpensive material

Significance of Splinting Techniques

Preserves functional outcomes in combination with different treatments
Important in preventing deformities, loss of Range of Motion (R.O.M), and disruption of joint integrity

Uses of Splints in Burn Treatment

Acute phase: immobilizes and provides support to affected body parts
Wound healing phase: prevents contracture and disruption of newly grafted skin
Rehabilitation phase: reduces contracture, prevents deformity, and maintains natural body contours
Reconstructive phase: restores function and cosmesis after contracture release or reconstructive procedures

Splinting Indications

Protection of anatomical structures: stabilizes joints, eliminates external forces, and maintains tendon position
Preservation of skin graft integrity: prohibits motion of joints near or under grafted areas
Restoration of function: provides sustained stretch and pressure to maintain gained R.O.M

Requirements for All Splints

Proper fit: not too loose or too tight
Secure application: not too loose or too tight
Avoidance of pressure over bony prominence
Periodic removal: for wound care and to avoid joint stiffness
Daily checking and re-evaluation: for changes in edema, dressings, or patient status
Cleansing with each re-application: to prevent wound contamination

Types of Splints

Static splints: useful during early inflammatory stage
Dynamic splints: useful during proliferative stage of tissue healing

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Description

Learn about the importance of splinting in burn care, including the materials used and the aims of applying splints to support burned extremities and maintain joint position.