Neoprene Splinting

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Neoprene Splinting
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Characteristics

• Elasticity
• pull is in all directions
• loses 10-15 over time
• thicker materials have more resistance to stretch
  and poor conformability
• added fabrics can decrease elasticity

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• Insulation
• Composed of closed cells making a barrier to
  external environment
• Applications
• acute injuries for compression/edema
• cold intolerance e.g.. Raynauds, crush, or
  amputation
• arthritis comforted by warmth
• support of muscles needing warmth/compression
• those working in cold water/temperatures
• Caution against maceration due to non- absorption
  of perspiration

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• Cushioning
• May be used with hard splints
• Decreases shearing forces by absorbing external
  force
• note increased shear when donning if sliding over
  skin
• Does not permanently compress when put under a
  load over time - good for padding
• Do not place directly over bony prominence but
  around it.

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Applications

• Can be used where many thermoplastic splints are
  indicated - reinforce if needed
• Can be effective for assisting in stabilization
  of joints caused by weak muscles or fluctuating
  tone
• Can provide similar results such as joint
  compression and tapping achieved through NDT and
  SI techniques
• Can assist in bringing spastic joints to neutral

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Thickness of Material

• 1/16 Finger Splints
• 1/8 Wrist Elbow
• 1/2 Trunk or Large Joints
• You can buy Neoprene with various types of
  backing added to one or two sides
• Nylon knits add little thickness
• Teri backing adds more
• Loop adds maximum

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Pros and Cons

• Aesthetic appearance
• Comfort by warmth and softness
• Conformability
• Ease of material setup
• Ease of fabrication

• IT IS HOT to wear
• Maceration can occur
• Protocols, patterns, and efficacy not yet
  established

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Pattern Making

• Make a foil pattern first
• Cut larger than usual if using a less elastic
  material
• Make inside curves 5-10 smaller
• Make outside curves 10 larger than usual
• Use disappearing pen or chalk
• Cut with scissors or rotary blade

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Fitting

• Glue seams with bonding cement
• outer fabrics such as teri, loop or nylon do not
  adhere
• rubber neoprene core adheres
• wait a few minutes after applying before
  contacting both sides
• Use dowel or tubes for curved seams
• Can be undone by pulling or cutting
• Once fit is confirmed on patient, use seam tape

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Seam Tape

• Use seam tape to reinforce and make bond
  permanent
• Cannot be removed once cooled
• Reinforces bond

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Seam tape cont.

• abut edges together, use Velcro to secure
• seam curves first
• lay tape over abutted edges
• use iron on medium heat, no steam
• hold, DO NOT SLIDE iron for 30 sec
• increase temp if not bonded after 60 sec
• let tape cool 24 hours before stressing
• with curves, multiple short strips can be used

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Fasteners and Straps

• Neoprene lined with loop only needs hook
  fasteners
• Iron on or solvent activated hook and loop will
  adhere to nylon or Teri lined neoprene
• Can be sewn into place

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Fasteners and Straps

• Neoprene can be used for straps on splints
• How to secure to splint
• Velcro
• rivets must have metal or plastic washer
• non coated material doubled on top

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REINFORCEMENT

• A pocket reinforcement can be added to hold
  thermoplastic or metal reinforcement
• Pocket should be made and added before final
  fitting on circumferential splints

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REINFORCEMENT

• Another option is to use non-coated (sticks to
  itself) thermoplastic splinting material that
  will adhere to loop or nylon fabric outside of
  neoprene splint
• Thermoplastic material can be attached under
  neoprene splint with Velcro

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Care

• Wash by hand with cold water
• Can be machine washed on gentle with cold water
• Velcro closures must be closed
• never put it in the dryer

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Other Ideas for Neoprene Applications