Foreword---thermoplastic splints and their clinical applications

 Surgeons of my age with thirty years of working experience have witnessed different eras when casting techniques were over-used, abused, and underused. Twenty-five years ago, nearly all patients with fractures, irrespective of their sites and nature, were treated with casting alone. That was an era of overuse and abuse. Nowadays, we see the hairline fracture of the tibia being nailed. This is over-used of operative means and under-used of casting technique. Surgeons should refrain from either extreme. This volume should offer them support and help.

 

Without the knowledge of the casting material being used and without the understanding of basic biomechanical principles, thermoplastic splints cannot be properly applied. Apprenticeship alone is not the best solution to A thermoplastic splints application. Functional A thermoplastic splints s advocated by Sarmiento and functional components incorporated in A thermoplastic splints s like hinges and reinforcements are good examples of applying biomechanics in clinical practice. Such technical points are discussed in this volume and will form useful references and provide technical guidance.

Scientific and technological advances in medicine suffer unnecessary conflicts between conventional and current practices. Unlike non-medical fields where the conventional ideas and practices are usually incorporated in the newer options, new techniques in medicine tend to be exclusive against their precursors. While we welcome and rejoice over advances, we could refrain from being over-receptive. An open mind gives better judgment. The best treatment for a hone fracture is the one that gives the best healing with the shortest time of functional loss and the most guaranteed outcome in the surgeon’s hands. Above all, no harm should be done to the patient.

*: These thermoplastic splints are from the Radiotherapy position mask.