US Medical Term · procedures
Splinting
Férula
Also: Entablillado (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Splinting |
| Spanish (Español) | Férula |
| Chinese (中文) | 夾板固定 |
| Korean (한국어) | 부목 고정 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nẹp cố định |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Splinting |
| Portuguese (Português) | Imobilização com tala |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การดามกระดูก |
| Japanese (日本語) | シーネ固定 |
What it means
Splinting is the application of a rigid or semi-rigid support — called a splint — to stabilize an injured limb, joint, or bone. Unlike a full cast, a splint does not encircle the limb completely, allowing for swelling that is common in acute injuries. Splints are often used as a first-line treatment for fractures, sprains, and joint injuries. They may be temporary until swelling goes down and a cast can be applied, or they may serve as the definitive treatment for stable fractures. Splints can be prefabricated or custom-made and are typically secured with elastic bandages.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The emergency room placed a splint on my ankle until the swelling decreases.
En urgencias me colocaron una férula en el tobillo hasta que disminuya la inflamación.
My doctor wants me to wear a wrist splint for two weeks to allow healing.
Mi médico quiere que use una férula en la muñeca durante dos semanas para permitir la cicatrización.
Will my insurer cover the custom splint fabricated by the occupational therapist?
¿Mi aseguradora cubrirá la férula a medida fabricada por el terapeuta ocupacional?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026