Immobilize
Immobilize refers to the act of rendering a body part incapable of movement, often to promote healing and prevent further damage. This is commonly done in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of fractures, dislocations, and severe sprains.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The process of immobilization is often carried out using a variety of devices such as casts, splints, and braces. These devices are designed to hold the injured body part in a fixed position, preventing movement and providing support to the injured area. Immobilization is a crucial part of the healing process as it allows the body to repair damaged tissues without the risk of further injury.
Types of Immobilization[edit | edit source]
There are several types of immobilization, each suited to different types of injuries and conditions. These include:
- Casting: This involves the use of a rigid material, such as plaster or fiberglass, to encase the injured area. Casts are often used for fractures and severe sprains.
- Splinting: This involves the use of a semi-rigid material to support the injured area. Splints are often used for less severe injuries and conditions that require more flexibility than a cast can provide.
- Bracing: This involves the use of a custom-made device to support and align the injured area. Braces are often used for long-term conditions that require ongoing support and alignment.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
While immobilization is a crucial part of the healing process, it is not without risks and potential complications. These can include:
- Muscle atrophy: This is a condition where muscles waste away due to lack of use. This can occur if a body part is immobilized for a prolonged period.
- Joint stiffness: This can occur if a joint is immobilized for a prolonged period. It can result in reduced range of motion and flexibility.
- Pressure sores: These can develop if the immobilization device is not fitted properly or if it is not regularly adjusted.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Immobilize Resources | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
