Using Casts, Splints, and Braces in the Emergency Department

With increasing numbers of children participating in sports activities, orthopedic injuries are a very common presenting complaint. Emergency care providers should be familiar with the evaluation and management of common injuries in children and adolescent patients. This article will review the common uses of casts, splints, and braces in the emergency department. Different types of products, indications for their use, and other general considerations like fitting and cleaning will be discussed.