Splinting the Ankle eMedicine Procedures

Description: In general, ankle splints are applied to minimize movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury at that joint. Splints are primarily used to stabilize injuries to bones until the patient can be evaluated by a consultant, such as an orthopedic surgeon.1 Splints are also used to achieve immobilization for primary healing or in the presurgical period. All patients with injuries that are splinted should be referred for evaluation by a consultant in a timely fashion (usually within 2-3 days).
Lars Grimm, MD & Lynne McCullough, MD, FACEP Updated: Jul 17, 2009