Elbow Splint
Elbow Splint - A Lifesaver for Many
Not everyone will need an elbow splint in their lives, but those who do report that they are so happy that these medical marvels exist. Without them they'd be in so much pain. An elbow splint is simply a lightweight, adjustable device that immobilizes the elbow in a neutral, but comfortable position to help with the healing of any injury such as a sprain, ligament tear or break. Sports players often suffer elbow injuries, but so do every day people in unfortunate accidents. It is hoped that one would never need to worry about these things, but one should be aware they exist in case they are needed.
The First Step
When a patient is admitted to an ER, the first thing that often happens is a splint is applied to their injury. This is a simple procedure that stabilizes the location so no more injuries are suffered due to adverse movements, until a specialist can take a look at and evaluate the situation. It is advisable that patients with injuries that require an elbow splint are immediately referred to a specialist, but at least within 1-2 days.
Injuries in Detail
Injuries to the elbow often occur when the elbow is subjected to some kind of force that isn't natural - it is turned in an alternate direction, the arm is twisted out of sync with the rest of the body (such as behind one's back during an arrest). Sometimes the elbow can even be injured when it experiences some kind of physical blunt force trauma. The worst kind of injury is a sprain which hurts on the opposite side of the place where the bump was received. This is a serious injury that needs to be looked at as soon as possible and definitely stabilized with an elbow splint. Any force to the elbow can cause ligament tearing, sprains or even fractures and breaks of bones in the elbow. Sometimes, there is also an open wound to be dealt with and this needs to be treated very quickly to prevent any spread of infection.
Anesthetic is Sometimes Needed
It is not usual to apply anesthesia when being splinted, but it is not uncommon either. Sometimes the injury hurts so much and the arm has been bent in such an awkward position that the pain would be intolerable for the patient as the paramedics move their arm into position for the elbow splint. In these cases, a local anesthesia is often applied either orally or with a needle to prevent the pain. It is very rare to put someone completely to sleep while a splint is applied, though if the injury and pain warrants it, it would probably happen.
The Procedure
The procedure of applying an elbow splint is less complicated than one would think. Basically, the entire arm is set in plaster at a 90 degree angle. This is a procedure that requires the removal of tight-fitting clothing and jewelry such as rings. The entire arm needs to be stabilized for several weeks (sometimes even months) in this position to fully heal the injured area. Fractures and breaks take a long time to heal, but sprains and ligament tears much less time. The patient is usually laid out on a table on their back while this procedure is performed by the paramedic or doctor and sometimes the patient may be required to cooperate by holding a small object to assist in setting the bones and joints in the 'right position' under the plaster.
Drugs are often prescribed after the splint is applied (such as Benadryl) to prevent itching. If itching worsens, one needs to return to the doctor for a reevaluation of the splint for any complications.