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April 13, 2023
Many use the terms “splint” and “brace” interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of medical devices. It is essential for healthcare workers and therapists to understand the difference in order to treat their patients effectively. The following provides an overview of splints and braces, including their different uses and benefits.
What is the Difference Between a Splint and a Brace?
Both splints and braces are commonly used on the foot and ankle, knee, hand and wrist, elbow, shoulder, or spine. However, there are some key differences in functionality and usage between the two devices.
A splint is an orthopedic device that immobilizes an injured joint or limb to promote healing and prevent further injury or damage. Depending on the severity of the injury or condition, they can be either rigid or soft. A rigid splint consists of a firm material such as metal or plastic while a soft splint is made from foam or fabric.
Braces are also used to help stabilize injured body parts, but they are typically more flexible than splints as they are designed to offer support through compression rather than complete immobilization. Braces are usually made of softer materials such as neoprene or cotton and consist of straps, elastic bands, or metal frames.
Splint or Brace – Which is Better?
Generally, if you need complete immobilization then a rigid splint is recommended. If you require only partial immobilization, then a soft splint or a brace may be more suitable. This is because soft splints and braces promote daily activities while limiting and controlling unwanted motion. Additionally, if you suffer from a chronic condition such as arthritis or carpal tunnel, a brace may be more beneficial than a rigid splint as it allows you to retain mobility while still providing stabilization and support.
Whether a splint or a brace is best still depends on your specific situation, however. For example, those suffering from carpal tunnel may still need a rigid splint for acute phases of carpal tunnel syndrome or for post-operative treatment of carpal tunnel release surgery.
The type of device depends on the type and severity of the injury being treated, and it is always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional when deciding on the type of treatment needed for an injury or condition.
How Long Should You Wear a Splint or Brace?
The length of time you should wear your splint or brace depends on the injury or condition being treated. Ultimately, it is up to your healthcare provider to provide specific instructions in regard to which type of device to use and how long it should be worn.
Choosing a Splint or Brace
While both splints and braces provide stability by immobilizing and supporting certain body parts, they each do so in different ways. Choosing a particular splint or brace also highly depends on your particular needs and concerns, such as breathability, footdrop prevention, wound and skin protection, or pressure management.
Understanding the differences between these two types of devices as well as the options available for each can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about treatment plans and find the most effective solutions for your individual needs.
AliMed offers a wide assortment of Splints and Braces—from post-op to rehab for adults and pediatrics.
Disclaimer
AliMed, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supply products, and is not a medical authority. The contents contained in this article, including text, graphics, imagery, and other materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. AliMed does not provide or intend to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information contained here should not be treated as such. If you have questions about a specific medical condition or specific personal use of a medical device, always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
This blog was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Although every effort has been made to present information that is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge, this content may contain omissions or errors. AliMed does not regularly update information or resources for this content and does not guarantee, make any warranties, and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.
FAQs
A splint or brace is a device used to support or hold a body part still after an injury or surgery. While the words may be used interchangeably, in general, a brace is meant to support an injured area, while a splint is commonly used to immobilize an injured body part. Sometimes a splint is also called an orthosis.
What is the medical term for braces and splints? ›
A splint is a medical device that stabilizes a part of your body and holds it in place. Healthcare providers use them to protect and support your body after an injury or to treat certain health conditions. Providers sometimes call splints braces or orthoses.
Is a brace or splint better for carpal tunnel? ›
Wrist braces
They are less restricting than splints — but like a splint, it may help to wear them during your daily activities and at night to keep your CTS symptoms from flaring up. The biggest con is that they are less supportive than a splint.
What's the difference between a splint and a cast? ›
All casts are custom-made with fiberglass or plaster. A splint is like a “half cast.” The hard part of a splint does not wrap all the way around the injured area. It is held in place by an elastic bandage or other material. Unlike casts, splints can be easily removed or adjusted.
What is the main purpose of a splint? ›
Splints hold bones and joints in place so they can heal after a fracture (broken bone), injury, or surgery. Splints also can help with conditions that affect the joints (such as arthritis) or muscles (such as palsies, which are weakness or paralysis of a muscle).
Is it OK to sleep with a splint? ›
It's important to keep moving your wrist as you normally would, but to avoid putting too much strain on it. You can also wear a splint at night.
What is the difference between orthosis and braces? ›
An orthosis is defined as an “externally applied device (brace) used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system” (ISPOint.org). An orthosis is provided by a person, called an orthotist, who specializes in evaluating, designing, fabricating, and modifying orthoses.
What is a brace? ›
1. : something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: such as. a. : a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (such as a framework) walls held up with braces.
What are splints also called? ›
A splint is a device that supports and protects a broken bone or injured tissue. Also known as a brace or an orthosis, it helps reduce pain and promote healing by keeping the injured part of your body still. Some splints are flexible and some are rigid.
Is it OK to sleep with a carpal tunnel brace? ›
It keeps the wrist in a neutral position that decreases the compression on the nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. It is best to wear it every night as it usually interferes with activity during the day, and most people with carpal tunnel syndrome have symptoms predominantly at night.
A wrist splint for carpal tunnel syndrome should only be worn at night, when you're sleeping. You should never wear one during the daytime.
Should I wear my finger splint to bed? ›
If your tendon is torn or pulled off the bone, it should heal in 6 to 8 weeks of wearing a splint all the time. After that, you will need to wear your splint for another 3 to 4 weeks, at night only.
What is the difference between a splint and a brace? ›
The main difference between the two is that braces allow for occasional movement to rehabilitate the limb and bone, while splints completely immobilize the injured area or hold your joints in a specific orientation for therapy.
What are three things you should not do while splinting? ›
Splint and skin care
If your splint is not to be removed, try blowing cool air from a hair dryer or fan into the splint to help relieve itching. Never stick items under your splint to scratch the skin. Do not use oils or lotions near your splint.
How long should a splint stay on? ›
A splint usually stays on for several days to weeks. A splint is usually preferred in case of swelling.
Should I wear a wrist brace or splint? ›
A wrist splint provides stability through immobilisation, ideal for injuries that require minimal movement for healing. On the other hand, a wrist brace offers a balance between support and mobility, making it suitable for various conditions. Your decision should align with your specific needs and comfort preferences.
How long does a splint stay on? ›
A splint usually stays on for several days to weeks. A splint is usually preferred in case of swelling.
What are the four types of splints? ›
Different types of splints
- Static. As the name suggests, a static splint has no moving parts. ...
- Dynamic. A dynamic splint will still support an injured area; however, the primary purpose is to assist with controlled movement. ...
- Serial static. ...
- Static progressive.
Even a major fracture in one of your middle toes can generally be immobilized by splinting it to the adjacent toes, for example. But even a minor fracture in your ankle might require a cast, because that's such a hard part of your body to keep from moving.
