Fractures & Splints

Fractures are painful injuries where bones break or shatter. Reagan Medical Center offers urgent fracture care, including splinting, at its offices in Lawrenceville, Dacula, Suwanee, and Johns Creek, Georgia. The team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to evaluate the injury and ensure you receive the most effective treatment. Call your nearest Reagan Medical Center office to learn more about fractures and splints, or schedule an appointment online today.

What are fractures and splints?

Fractures are breaks in bones that occur when part of your body is under excessive pressure or suffers a severe impact. They come in various forms, with common ones being:

Greenstick fractures

Greenstick fractures affect children and young people. They don’t go right through because bones have more flexibility during early life.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny hairline cracks that build up over time. They typically result from overuse.

Comminuted fractures

Comminuted fractures break the bone into multiple pieces.

Compound fractures

Compound breaks are severe injuries where you can see the broken bone. The end might protrude through damaged flesh, making these injuries extremely painful and prone to infection.

Splints are medical devices that immobilize an injured part of your musculoskeletal system. The splint protects the area, reducing pain and swelling, preventing further damage, and helping the fractured bones to heal by ensuring the broken ends are in alignment.

What splints might I need for a fracture?

Splints come in various forms, including:

Static splints

Static splints hold the damaged body part completely still so you can’t move it.

Static progressive splints

These splints are adjustable. At first, they don’t allow you to move, but your provider may adjust it as you heal to alter the splint’s position or stretch your body.

Dynamic splints

Dynamic splints allow you to move, but only within the limits your provider sets. They can adjust the restriction over time.

Serial static splints

These splints hold the affected limb to the full extent of its range. This ensures that soft tissues stretch and stay flexible during healing.

What are splints made from?

Splints are made of rigid materials like plastic and metal with foam or padded fabric cushioning inside to prevent rubbing and pressure sores.

You might need a custom-made fiberglass splint when you first fracture a bone. This allows the injury to stabilize so the swelling can subside before you undergo surgery or have a cast.

How long do I wear a fracture splint? 

If you’re having surgery and/or a cast, you may only need to wear the splint for a few days while the swelling subsides.

If the splint is designed to stay on while the bone heals, you might have to wear it for four or more weeks.

Call Reagan Medical Center to learn more about fractures and splinting, or book an appointment online today.