Splinting for Neck Injuries PDF

Regional splints 1-Anterior neck region: Anticipated deformity: Flexion with possible lateral flexion. Secondary problems: 1)Disturbance in mastication; 2)distortion of facial units; 3)difficult or hazardous intubation in subsequent reconstructive procedures Splints for neck region.  Soft ce...

Regional splints 1-Anterior neck region: Anticipated deformity: Flexion with possible lateral flexion. Secondary problems: 1)Disturbance in mastication; 2)distortion of facial units; 3)difficult or hazardous intubation in subsequent reconstructive procedures Splints for neck region.  Soft cervical collar.  Molded neck splint.  Halo-neck splint.  Watusi collar.  Philadelphia collar.  1- soft cervical collar.  Description: it is circumferential foam, rubber orthosis.  Function: Minimal neutral extension (maintain neck in neutral position) , prevent lateral flexion  Advantages: 1- commercial available. 2- Simply to apply and adjust. 3- Comfortable. 4- light weight.  Disadvantages: 1- absorbent. 2- Tendency to rotate around neck. 3- Minimal effectiveness for scar tissue reduction.  2-Molded neck splint:  It is total contact rigid neck support (thermoplastic). Advantages: 1- used in 3rd phase of treatment. 2- low temperature material direct molded. 3- high temp. indirect molded on pt. 4- maintain exact position( prevent rotation and lateral flexion. Disadvantages: 1-Occlusive. 2- Skin breakdown in bony area (pressure point at clavicle and chin). Soft cervical collar Molded neck splint  3-Halo neck splint  Thermoplastic. put the neck in extension using the head and upper torso for stabilization.  Advantages: 1- used in any phase of ttt. 2- allow frequent care of new skin graft. 3- permit visualization of wound.  Disadvantage: 1- Contraindicated for deep burn over forehead. 2- Strapping may cause wound breakdown. 3- Doesn’t prevent shortening of anterior neck secondary to opening mouth. 4- Uncomfortable supine position. Design and molding halo neck splint on patient Custom design halo neck splint  4-Watusi collar:  Series of cylindrical plastic tubes encircle the neck made from thermoplastic material.  To increase degree of neck extension you add additional tubes.  Advantages: 1- applied good contact pressure on the scar tissue so prevent hypertrophic scars. 2- Easily adjusted. 3- Maintain extension and prevent lateral flexion. 4- Can be applied over simple dressing.  Disadvantage: 1- occlusive monitoring needed for signs of maceration of wound. 2- Ridged effect in scar tissue. 3- Allergies to certain material as latex. Watusi collar made from plastic tubes  5-Philadelphia collar.  It is prefabricated circumferential foam or semi rigid positioning material(orthosis). Advantage: 1- commercial available. 2- easily applied. Disadvantages: 1- temporary used. 2- occlusive (pressure point on clavicale ). 3-Only minimal dressing can be worn under the collar. Philadelphia collar