Plaster longettes

Plaster splints for customized immobilization in cases of fractures and injuries

Plaster splints are custom-cut strips of plaster that are applied as a splint or used to reinforce a circular bandage; they are used for fractures and other injuries that require immobilization. Unlike wrapped bandages, they are cut to the required length and molded directly onto the limb. Along with plaster and casts, they are among the materials used to immobilize fractures and injuries.

Altruan currently carries plaster splints from BSN Medical with varying processing and drying speeds, which are suited to different treatment situations.

Features and Benefits of Plaster Splints

According to the product specifications, the plaster splints in the product line consist of a cotton backing with a special natural plaster mixture and are cut to length individually.

Typical characteristics:

• Cotton backing with a special natural plaster mixture
• Custom-cut to the required length
• Highly moldable when shaped to fit the limb
• Available in various widths for different body regions
• Manufactured without natural rubber latex
• Suitable as a standalone splint or to reinforce a circular bandage
• Can be worn for up to several weeks

Which version is suitable in each individual case depends on the specific injury and the desired drying rate.

Which plaster splints are suitable for which applications?

For rigid immobilization with faster application, the Specialist E white plaster splints are suitable. According to the product specifications, they feature a perforated core, which allows the soaking water to penetrate more effectively and speeds up both application and drying.

The Platrix, hard plaster strips (4-ply), are suitable for the primary treatment of fractures and for reinforcing a circular bandage. According to the product specifications, they are laid in four layers and achieve high final strength even with just a few layers, while offering excellent moldability.

The Biplatrix, quick-setting plaster splints (4-ply), are ideal for particularly rapid initial treatment. According to the product specifications, they are also laid in four layers and have a particularly short soaking time of about 1.5 seconds.

What should you look for when buying plaster splints?

The most important factor is the required width: The splints in the product line are available in several widths ranging from 10 to 20 cm, suitable for different body regions from the forearm to the leg.

The intended use also plays a role—is the splint needed as the sole splint for partial immobilization, or is it intended to provide additional reinforcement for an existing circular cast? During initial treatment, a short immersion time can be advantageous, while other criteria, such as final strength, may take precedence during further treatment.

The selection and application of a plaster splint are performed by medical professionals, who determine the appropriate type based on the specific injury. Package size can also be a factor, for example, when multiple splints of the same size are needed on a regular basis.

Perforated core or four-ply splint—what’s the difference?

The Specialist E splints differ from the other two versions due to their perforated core: According to the product specifications, this allows the soaking water to penetrate more effectively, which speeds up application and drying.

Platrix and Biplatrix, on the other hand, are both four-ply and therefore highly durable even with just a few layers. The difference between the two lies in the soaking time: While Platrix is designed for primary care and to reinforce circular bandages, Biplatrix achieves a particularly short soaking time of about 1.5 seconds, according to the product specifications, making it suitable for rapid initial treatment.

Common to all three versions is that, according to the product specifications, they can bear partial weight after about 30 minutes and full weight after 48 hours.

Application and Instructions for Plaster Splints

According to the product information, plaster splints are immersed in water at a temperature of 20 to 25 °C, cut to the required length, and then molded directly onto the limb.

According to the product specifications, once applied, the cast can bear partial weight after approximately 30 minutes and full weight after 48 hours. Proper application and monitoring are the responsibility of trained medical professionals.

Any changes in the area of the cast, such as pressure points or circulatory problems, should be reported immediately to the treating healthcare professional. The material should also be stored in a dry place to ensure that its properties are preserved until use.

Complementary Products for Plaster Splints

• Plaster bandages
• Padding material
• Cast splints

Plaster bandages are the wrapped version of the same material used for circular dressings, while padding material provides the necessary protection for the skin beneath the longette. Cast longettes are available as a synthetic alternative when a plastic material is preferred over natural plaster. Together, these categories within the plaster and cast range cover different requirements for materials and dressing techniques.