How to Choose a Splinting Material

With so many different splinting material options, it can be difficult to choose a splinting material that is best for your patients. For example, you may need a material that is stiff, non-stick, and mini perforated. We’re taking a look at Orfit® and Manosplint™ products, spotting differentiating factors, helping you choose a splinting material. Your patient’s rehabilitation program will become easier with the help of this splinting material guide.

Orfit®

Orfit® high-quality thermoplastic material is designed for physicians and other specialists to easily create customized splints for their clients. The material comes in a variety of options, each with their own benefits. It is available in sheets or precut forms, in varying levels of perforation, and with either a coated or non-coated surface.

Orfit® Classic material is non-coated and sticks easily to itself and outrigger attachments. The material bonds temporarily during fabrication, then permanently when exposed to dry heat. When the material is ready for molding it turns transparent which provides visibility during the molding process. This material is available in high stretch (Soft) and low stretch (Stiff) versions. The Orfit® Classic is available in Precuts that are anatomically designed, semi-molded shapes for whichever body part it is needed. These shapes can be purchased in one of three sizes: small, medium, or large.

The coated equivalent of the Orfit® Classic is the Orfit® NS, or “non-stick.” This product differs from Orfit® Classic as it has a non-stick coating that prevents the material from adhering onto bandages or cotton lining. However, when necessary, attachments can be added to the Orfit® NS material by easily scraping off the non-stick coating using sandpaper or scissors.

If your patient is concerned with the appearance of the splinting material, Orfit® Colors NS is a great option. This material is moderate in both its resistance to being stretched and its ability to conform. It has a non-stick coating and comes in three varying levels of perforation. The unique aspect of Orfit® Colors NS is that it is available for purchase in 8 vibrant colors that can appeal to everyone. These colors can boost patient morale and promote patient compliance.

In terms of comfort, ease of stretch, and lightweight material, Orfilight® is the best option. Patients who are very active and need their splinting material to be lightweight and have some movement will benefit the most from Orfilight®. It is available in either black or atomic blue coated “non-stick” options, or a beige non-coated “sticky” option.

The Orfit® Flex NS has a non-stick coating and is soft-to-touch. The material, which is antibacterial and available in two levels of perforation, is very flexible. It conforms easily to any shape by draping it over the body part in need.

Manosplint™

Manosplint™ thermoplastic splinting material softens when heated to allow the therapist to create a customized splint. It is available in many different styles, broadly named Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Manosplint™ Carolina is the most resistant to stretch out of the three types. It is rigid and therefore easily holds its shape. This is beneficial in the creation of larger splints that need greater support. The material is available in 1/8” thickness and one of two perforation levels.

Manosplint™ Wisconsin is both moderate in its resistance to stretch and its rigidity. It has a non-stick coating that prevents the product from attaching to itself or to other materials. However, the coating can be removed with the use of sandpaper or scraping it with a scissor. The Wisconsin also comes in two perforation options, as well as two options for thickness.

The most versatile option is Manosplint™ Ohio, with the options of Ohio, Ohio S, and Ohio F. The standard Ohio is made with material that shapes easily yet provides strong support. The Ohio S has the same properties as the standard Ohio material. The main difference is that the Ohio has a non-stick coating while the Ohio S is not coated “sticky.” Both are available as solid or one of six perforation options, as well as varying thicknesses.

If you are looking for a splinting material that shapes easily and provides strong support, Manosplint™ Ohio F is a great option. It is available in multiple perforation options and thicknesses. This material is unique, as it has a fabric covering. The fabric adds cushion to the product and increases comfort for the patient.

At a glance, choosing splinting material can appear to be overwhelming due to all the seemingly similar options. Through finding differentiating features in the options, it can be easier to choose a splinting material. Your patient will have a great start to their road to recovery with the help of any of these great splinting material choices.

To view these products and other splinting materials, contact us today.