Braces, splints, and casts have long been utilized  to support and/or immobilize injured areas of the body.  Casts are often used to treat fractures.  They can help maintain alignment and immobilize the joints next to the broken bone.  However, they are not removable and are typically hard all the way around the injured extremity.  As a result, the space available for swelling after injury is somewhat limited.  Because of this, quite often after an acute injury, a cast is not applied immediately, but is typically applied days later, once the swelling from the injury has decreased and/or stabilizes.

Splints are more easily removed.  They are used the same way as a cast to give support to the injured area and also to immobilize the joints next to the injured area.  Typically, a splint is not hard all the way around and thereby accommodates swelling much more than a cast.  For this reason, this is often the first immobilization device applied following a significant limb injury, to allow room for the expected post-traumatic swelling.

Braces differ from splints in that they are usually used to give support to an injured area, and less for immobilizing a joint.  That is, most braces allow joint motion, but may help to control that motion or limit that motion so as to allow for healing and/or participation in activities.  There are many different types of braces used in orthopedics in general and sports medicine, in particular.  Some braces can be bought over-the-counter.   Others are typically given either through a physician’s office or by prescription through a brace shop. These are usually of higher quality than those bought at a store.  Furthermore, in office fitting improves chances of obtaining a comfortable and effective brace.  Some braces, especially for the spine, are used to minimize joint motion.  Still others have dynamic mechanisms that actually help stretch out and improve the motion of stiff and contracted joints.

There are several companies that make orthopedic braces.  Off-the-shelf braces typically come in several sizes and are fine for treating most conditions.  Custom braces require exact measurements and are then made to specifications unique to the individual patient.  They are particularly useful for patients with unusual or uncommon sizes.