Complications arising from the use of removable wrist splints: even the simplest technology has its hazards.
Wrist braces with, and without, thumb extensions (so-called "Futura" splints) were introduced into the Emergency Departments of Cork City Hospitals in July 2001. Constructed of rigid aluminium with a soft synthetic covering and Velcro strapping, they are designed for use in less severe upper limb injuries (such as wrist or thumb sprains or clinically suspected scaphoid fractures with normal X-rays). Their introduction coincided with a relaxation of the guidelines for immobilizing suspected scaphoid fractures.
O'Leary
J
J
Department of Emergency Medicine, South Infirmary - Victoria Hospital, Cork. jamesol1980@hotmail.com
Kanagasuntherie
A
A
Coughlan
N
N
Luke
L C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology*; D013165:Splints / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000628:therapy