Splint: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in medical settings, often in first aid, to immobilize a broken or injured bone or joint temporarily before more permanent solutions like a cast are applied.

• The paramedic used a splint to stabilize the man's injured leg before transporting him to the hospital.
• You might need a splint for that wrist until you can see a doctor.

Commonly used to provide support or stabilization to a joint or muscle over a long period of time, often for preventive measures or for ongoing treatment of chronic conditions.

• She wore a knee brace while playing sports to prevent further injury.
• After the accident, he had to wear a back brace for several months.

A broad term that can be used in various settings, medical and non-medical, to describe devices or methods that help stabilize or aid a body part or process. Often less specific than terms like 'brace' or 'splint'.

• He needed support for his ankle, so he used a special bandage.
• The chair provides good back support to maintain proper posture.

Generally used in medical situations to immobilize a broken bone while it heals. It provides more permanent and stronger support compared to a splint.

• The doctor put a cast on my arm after it was confirmed to be broken.
• She had to keep the cast on her leg for six weeks.

Splints are typically used in medical settings to stabilize a broken bone or sprain by keeping it immobile. They are commonly used in emergency or first-aid situations.

• The paramedic applied a splint to the patient's arm to prevent further injury.
• After the accident, they had to put a splint on her leg until they could get to the hospital.

Immobilize is a general term used to describe the act of preventing movement, often in a medical or mechanical context. The term can also have a broader, sometimes negative connotation, implying restriction of movement or activity.

• The doctors had to immobilize his arm after the surgery.
• In extreme cases, they may need to immobilize the entire limb to ensure proper healing.

Support refers to providing assistance or stability, whether physically or emotionally. In medical terms, it means to hold or brace a part of the body to aid in healing.

• The back support pillow helped relieve her pain during long hours of work.
• He used a wrist support to help manage the discomfort from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Braces are used to support or stabilize joints and muscles, often over a longer period. They can be used for both medical and athletic purposes.

• She wore a knee brace during the marathon to support her injured ligament.
• The orthodontist will fit you with a brace to straighten your teeth.