What to Know About Splints

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Splints are commonly used medical devices designed to immobilize and support injured or diseased body parts. They are utilized in various medical conditions, including dental trauma, stroke rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, and temporomandibular disorders. This article explores the different types of splints, their applications, and the evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Types of Splints

Dental Trauma Splints

Dental trauma splints are used to stabilize replanted or repositioned teeth following trauma. Common types include wire-composite splints (WCS), button-bracket splints (BS), resin splints (RS), and the Titanium Trauma Splint (TTS). Studies have shown that while all these splints maintain physiological tooth mobility, RS splints significantly reduce horizontal tooth mobility more than TTS and WCS. Additionally, TTS requires less chair time for application and removal compared to other splints1.

Wrist Splints

Wrist splints are often prescribed to prevent and treat contractures after a stroke or to manage conditions like base-of-thumb osteoarthritis (BTOA). Research indicates that wrist splints do not significantly reduce wrist contracture post-stroke, suggesting that routine wrist splinting soon after a stroke may not be beneficial2. However, nighttime splinting for BTOA has been shown to reduce pain and disability significantly after 12 months3.

Hand Splints

Hand splints are used to manage conditions such as myofascial pain of the jaw muscles and spastic hemiplegia post-stroke. Studies have shown that while oral splints for myofascial pain do not significantly differ in effectiveness compared to control treatments, they may reduce parafunctional activities associated with temporomandibular disorders5 6. For spastic hemiplegia, splints can reduce muscle tone, although the effectiveness varies with the duration of use and patient compliance10.

Applications and Effectiveness

Dental Applications

Dental splints are primarily used for stabilizing teeth after trauma. The effectiveness of different splinting techniques varies, with some providing better stabilization and requiring less application time. For instance, RS splints significantly reduce horizontal tooth mobility, making them a preferred choice in certain scenarios1.

Stroke Rehabilitation

In stroke rehabilitation, wrist splints are used to prevent contractures and support the wrist. However, evidence suggests that splinting the wrist in either a neutral or extended position does not significantly reduce contracture, questioning the routine use of wrist splints post-stroke2. Conversely, hand splints can help manage spasticity, although their effectiveness is influenced by the wearing schedule and patient compliance10.

Osteoarthritis Management

For osteoarthritis, particularly BTOA, splints are recommended to reduce pain and improve hand function. Nighttime splinting has been shown to significantly reduce pain and disability over a long-term period, making it an effective treatment option for BTOA3 7.

Temporomandibular Disorders

Splints are also used to manage temporomandibular disorders by reducing parafunctional activities like teeth grinding. Studies indicate that splints can alleviate pain by reducing the intensity of tooth contact, although the exact mechanism remains unclear5 6.

Conclusion

Splints are versatile medical devices used in various conditions to immobilize and support affected body parts. While their effectiveness varies depending on the type and application, evidence supports their use in dental trauma, osteoarthritis, and temporomandibular disorders. However, their routine use in stroke rehabilitation, particularly for preventing wrist contractures, may need reevaluation. Understanding the specific benefits and limitations of different splints can help in making informed decisions for patient care.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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