User:Kaitlyn Esquer/sandbox

Edit of Contents

-Original- Contents 1. Description 2. Uses 3. Commonly used splints 4. Origins 5. See also 6. References 7. External links -Changing to- Contents 1. Materials 2. Uses 3. History 4. See Also 5. References 6. External Links

Dont get rid of Uses. Handoff to talkpage. MERDS. maybe merge splint types and uses together.

Edit of Origins --

Different forms of the splint have been used sparingly throughout history; however, the splint gained great popularity as a medical device during the French and Indian War. [citation needed] Generally consisting of two small wooden planks, the splint was commonly tied around the fracture with rope, cloth, or even rawhide during frontier times in American history. To this day, the splint is commonly used to secure small fractures and breaks. (See, for example, Henry Gassett Davis.) Hugh Owen Thomas invented several types of splints but it was not until WWI that his nephew, Sir Robert Jones began using the splint on soldiers.

Changing to-

= History =

== B.C. to A.D. == Splinting is not new to the medical field or the world. It’s found that splinting has been used since ancient times. There is evidence of splint usage dating back to 1500 B.C. that could treat not only fractures but burns as well. These splints were made from materials like, "leaves, reeds, bamboo, and bark padded with linen… [and] copper". Mummies from Egypt have been uncovered wearing splints from previous injuries that were obtained in their lifetime.Hippocrates, alive from 460-377 B.C., was very well known for his discoveries and techniques for splinting. He created a "distraction splint" that was advanced for his time. The splint, made up of leather cuffs that were separated by slim wooden slats, worked to repair the fracture and realign the bones. Around 1000 A.D. the use of Hippocrates’ splinting technique using plants, like palm branches and cane halves, continued to be practiced. Flour dust, egg whites, and vegetable mixtures were created to form plaster for creating splints. Most splints in ancient times were cast-like and made to immobilize an area of the body. This is illustrated by the Aztecs around 1400 A.D. They made splints with leaves, leather, and paste.

1500’s
In the early 1500’s gunpowder was introduced to Europe which caused a serious decline in the market of armor making. Armor makers had to figure out how to make a living with the skills they had already acquired. This led to the creation of braces due to the common use of metal in braces. Armor makers were knowledgeable in areas of the exterior anatomy and joint alignment, making braces the obvious replacement for their armor making. In 1517, after the evolution of the armor trade, injuries were being treated by metal braces secured by screws. Fast-forward to 1592, the first written piece on splints by surgeon Hieronymus Fabricius, shows various drawings of armor-like splints for the entire body.

1700-1800’s
In the mid 1700’s, doctors and mechanics worked with each other to create splints for certain injuries. Surgeons need these mechanics to design and build the splints for them. Most splints were made of metal. Plaster of Paris, a white powdery substance used mostly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water, began to be used for immobilizing splints. This was not a popular way of splinting as it took too long to dry and suitable fabric was sparse.

In the 1800’s it was beginning to be recognized that rehabilitation after an injury was important. Orthopedics began to become a separate field from general surgery. Famous British Surgeon, Hugh Owen Thomas, created specialty splints that were cheap and best for injuries that were being rehabilitated. By 1883, mechanics and surgeons separated due to class issues. This created two different areas that shaped the way braces were being created and distributed. Around 1888, F. Gustav Ernst, a dedicated mechanic, released a book illustrating upper body splints. In 1899, orthopedic surgeon Alessandro Codvilla, followed suit and published a book explaining the importance of using surgical procedures to set up better results using splints.

Edit of Intro -- - "Description" is being added into the intro and removed from contents.


 * Original

A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of a limb or the spine. It can be used in multiple situations, including temporary immobilization of potentially broken bones or damaged joints and support for joints during activity. A "splint" is considered Non-circumferential whereas a "cast" is considered circumferential. A physician must decide the proper treatment, for a particular injury, to promote healing as well as know the benefits and risks. A splint can be used for certain fractures, soft tissue sprains or tendon injuries, or injuries awaiting orthopedic treatment. A splint may be static, not allowing motion, or dynamic, allowing controlled motion.[1]


 * Edited Version

A splint is defined as “a rigid or flexible device that maintains in position a displaced or movable part; also used to keep in place and protect an injured part” or as “a rigid or flexible material used to protect, immobilize, or restrict motion in a part”. Splints can be used for injuries that are not severe enough to immobilize the entire injured structure of the body. For instance, a splint can be used for certain fractures, soft tissue sprains, tendon injuries, or injuries awaiting orthopedic treatment. A splint may be static, not allowing motion, or dynamic, allowing controlled motion. Splints can also be used to relieve pain in damaged joints. Splints are quick and easy to apply and do not require a plastering technique. Splints are often made out of some kind of flexible material and a firm pole-like structure for stability. They often buckle or Velcro together. There is no difficult removal practice.

Justification for Edits

-- I referenced the "Orthopedic Cast" page, to view the formatting, as it is similar to a splint. The article is a highly developed article. I also completely redid the "Origins" section and changed the name to "History." The section lacked reputable sources or any citations at all. "Commonly Used Splints" will be changed to "Splint Types" for a more clear organization and academic grammar. In addition to that, splints will be put into sub types for their use on different areas of the body. I may rid of the "Uses" category, as it seems to be unnecessary. The contents table has been modified to fit the new organization.