Splint Management Care – For Patients/Carers Of Patients With Splints

Patient Experience

  • Reference Number: HEY797/2025
  • Departments: Orthopaedics
  • Last Updated: 31 August 2025
You can translate this leaflet by selecting a language from the dropdown menu:

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

Splint management care

This leaflet has been produced to give you (or carers of a patient) general information regarding care of a splint.  Most of your question will be answered by the nurse applying this device and by the manufacturers guidelines, which will be enclosed with your / the patient’s documentation.

The splint has been applied to support the injury you have sustained.  It will provide support and reduce movement to enable the injury to heal.

Complications that may occur whilst in a splint

If any of the following occur, contact the Fracture Clinic nursing staff, however, should the Fracture Clinic be closed, contact the Emergency Department:

  • Increased pain that is not helped by pain relief and rest.
  • Swelling, numbness, blueness, paleness or discoloration which is not bruising.
  • Pins and needles.
  • You / the patient is unable to move their joints which are not included in the splint
  • You / the patient feel a burning sensation under the splint as this could be a blister or a sore.
  • Any discharge or smells.
  • The splint becomes loose or tight.

Checklist for a patient with a splint

  • Elevate the limb with the splint.
  • Check skin daily for redness/ sores and contact fracture clinic immediately.
  • Check straps are firm but not tight and are supporting the injury.
  • Check position of splint and it is supporting your injury.
  • Follow manufacturer’s guidelines which will be given to you.

Orthopaedic/Fracture clinic staff to complete

Splint to be removed daily for hygiene and skin check    YES / NO

Splint to be removed for exercises                                        YES / NO

Splint to be removed to have a bath or shower                  YES / NO

Splint to be removed for bed                                                  YES / NO

Was the skin intact prior to application of the splint?      YES / NO

Is there a sore, wound or sutures present?                           YES / NO

If the answer to the previous question is YES

Is a district nurse required?                                                     YES / NO

Information given to carers by Fracture Clinic Staff for

Residential Home                                                                      YES / NO

Nursing Home                                                                            YES / NO

Wards                                                                                            YES / NO

 

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Orthopaedic /Fracture Clinic Department tel: 01482 674378 or tel: 01482675181.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Trauma & Orthopaedic Department on tel: 01482 674378 or tel: 01482675181

QR code to open leaflet