Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (717 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Rigid or flexible appliances that are used to maintain a displaced or movable part in position, or to maintain the position of and protect an injured part.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Splint; Dynamic Splints; Splint, Dynamic; Splints, Dynamic; Dynamic Splinting; Dynamic Splintings; Splinting, Dynamic; Dynamic Orthoses.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- External Fixators
- See also
- Stents
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 9,456 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Splints” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 751 of them (7.9%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 5,868 records.
Reviews account for 839 records (8.9%) and meta-analyses for 72. Randomized controlled trials number 456 (4.8%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 5,868 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,354 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,483 |
| 2020 onward | 751 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 839 | 8.9% |
| Meta-analyses | 72 | 0.8% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 456 | 4.8% |
Method: PubMed query "Splints"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in diagnostics and medical technology
A test or device is judged by how well it detects a condition, how often it gives false alarms or misses cases, and whether using it improves outcomes for people. Accuracy depends on who is tested and how common the condition is, so a test that performs well in a specialist hospital can perform differently in the community. Check the reference standard, the population studied, the sensitivity and specificity and whether results were confirmed in a separate group.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints: milling vs 3D printing | 2020 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 68 | cc by PMID 32436163 · DOI · PMC7666673 |
| Efficacy of splint therapy for the management of temporomandibular disorders: a meta-analysis | 2016 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 62 | cc by PMID 27823980 · DOI · PMC5356643 |
| Surgery is more cost-effective than splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome in the Netherlands: results of an economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial | 2006 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 44 | cc by PMID 17109748 · DOI · PMC1660539 |
| [Upper extremity immobilization techniques in children] | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 40229570 · DOI · PMC12137532 |
Accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints: milling vs 3D printing [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints in dependence of fabrication method (milling vs 3D printing), positioning (horizontal vs vertical), selection of material, and method of deviation measurement.
- Closing excerpt
- Clinical relevanceIn terms of accuracy, milled and 3D-printed bite splints seem to be of equal quality.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (175 words)
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints in dependence of fabrication method (milling vs 3D printing), positioning (horizontal vs vertical), selection of material, and method of deviation measurement.Materials and methodsBite splints were 3D-printed in either horizontal or vertical position (n = 10) using four different resins (Dental LT, Ortho Clear, Freeprint Splint, V-Splint). As control, ten bite splints were fabricated by CNC milling (ProArt CAD Splint). The splints were scanned and deviations between the CAD-file (trueness) and between each other within one group (precision) were measured by two different software applications and methods (cloud-to-cloud vs cloud-to-mesh). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests.ResultsThe highest impact on accuracy was exerted by the selection of the material (trueness: ηP2 = 0.871, P P2 = 0.715, P ConclusionMilled splints show higher trueness than 3D-printed ones, while the latter reveal higher reproducibility. The calculated deviations vary according to the measurement method used.Clinical relevanceIn terms of accuracy, milled and 3D-printed bite splints seem to be of equal quality.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32436163 · DOI · PMC7666673
Efficacy of splint therapy for the management of temporomandibular disorders: a meta-analysis [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of clinical problems affecting temporomandibular joint (TMJ), myofascial muscles and other related structures.
- Closing excerpt
- On the basis of this evidence, we recommend the use of splints for the treatment and control of TMD in adults.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (164 words)
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of clinical problems affecting temporomandibular joint (TMJ), myofascial muscles and other related structures. Splint therapy is the most commonly used approach to treatment of TMD, but its effectiveness is remains unclear. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of splint therapy for TMD in adults. The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for reports published up to March 31, 2016. Thirteen eligible studies involving 538 patients were identified. The results indicated that splint therapy increased maximal mouth opening (MMO) for patients with a MMO <45mm and reduced pain intensity measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for patients with TMD without specific description (TMDSD). Splint therapy also reduced the frequency of painful episodes for patients with TMJ clicking. No publication bias was observed, as determined with Egger's test for all outcomes. On the basis of this evidence, we recommend the use of splints for the treatment and control of TMD in adults.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 27823980 · DOI · PMC5356643
Surgery is more cost-effective than splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome in the Netherlands: results of an economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder, often treated with surgery or wrist splinting.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionIn the Netherlands, surgery is more cost-effective compared with splinting, and recommended as the preferred method of treatment for patients with CTS.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (197 words)
BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder, often treated with surgery or wrist splinting. The objective of this economic evaluation alongside a randomized trial was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of splinting and surgery for patients with CTS.MethodsPatients at 13 neurological outpatient clinics with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic CTS were randomly allocated to splinting (n = 89) or surgery (n = 87). Clinical outcome measures included number of nights waking up due to symptoms, general improvement, severity of the main complaint, paraesthesia at night and during the day, and utility. The economic evaluation was performed from a societal perspective and involved all relevant costs.ResultsThere were no differences in costs. The mean total costs per patient were in the surgery group EURO 2,126 compared to EURO 2,111 in the splint group. After 12 months, the success rate in the surgery group (92%) was significantly higher than in the splint group (72%). The acceptability curve showed that at a relatively low ceiling ratio of EURO 2,500 per patient there is a 90% probability that surgery is cost-effective.ConclusionIn the Netherlands, surgery is more cost-effective compared with splinting, and recommended as the preferred method of treatment for patients with CTS.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 17109748 · DOI · PMC1660539
[Upper extremity immobilization techniques in children] [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveConservative treatment of stable fractures of the upper extremity in children.
- Closing excerpt
- A measurable parameter for monitoring a good cast is the cast index.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (181 words)
ObjectiveConservative treatment of stable fractures of the upper extremity in children.IndicationsUndisplaced and age-tolerable displaced fractures of the hand, forearm, and elbow.ContraindicationsOpen fractures.Treatment optionsForearm splint/forearm cast for stable injuries to the radius or ulna. Long arm splint/long arm cast for injuries to the radius and ulna and after reduction of the forearm, as well as for stable, undisplaced injuries to the elbow. Intrinsic plus splint for injuries to the four fingers (excluding the thumb) and metacarpus.Further treatmentFor stable injuries, immobilization for analgesia for 3-4 weeks. Clinical check after treatment. In the case of repositioned fractures or fractures displaced within the spontaneous correction limits, clinical-radiological control (if necessary, with cast wedging) after 1 week. Immobilization for 4 weeks (prepubertal children) or 5 weeks (pubertal children).ResultsConservative treatment of fractures of the upper extremity is still the gold standard today. In pediatric patients in particular, but also in adult patients, correct healing of the fracture with good analgesia can be achieved with manageable effort and a good cost-benefit ratio through correct cast immobilization. A measurable parameter for monitoring a good cast is the cast index.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40229570 · DOI · PMC12137532
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Cast and splint immobilization: complications [5]
- Research article A critical evaluation of orthopedic interocclusal appliance therapy: design, theory, and overall effectiveness [6]
- Research article Systematic review of design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis [7]
- Research article Hand fractures: a review of current treatment strategies [8]
- Research article Tooth splinting: a review of the literature and consideration of the versatility of a wire-composite splint [9]
- Research article Splinting of teeth following trauma: a review and a new splinting recommendation [10]
References
- Marcel R, Reinhard H, Andreas K. Accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints: milling vs 3D printing. . 2020. PMID 32436163 · DOI · PMC7666673
- Zhang C, Wu JY, Deng DL, He BY, Tao Y, Niu YM, et al.. Efficacy of splint therapy for the management of temporomandibular disorders: a meta-analysis. . 2016. PMID 27823980 · DOI · PMC5356643
- Korthals-de Bos IB, Gerritsen AA, van Tulder MW, Rutten-van Mölken MP, Adèr HJ, de Vet HC, et al.. Surgery is more cost-effective than splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome in the Netherlands: results of an economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial. . 2006. PMID 17109748 · DOI · PMC1660539
- Kaiser N, Slongo T. [Upper extremity immobilization techniques in children]. . 2025. PMID 40229570 · DOI · PMC12137532
- Halanski M, Noonan KJ. Cast and splint immobilization: complications. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2008. PMID 18180390 · DOI
- Clark GT. A critical evaluation of orthopedic interocclusal appliance therapy: design, theory, and overall effectiveness. J Am Dent Assoc. 1984. PMID 6371096 · DOI
- Kjeken I, Smedslund G, Moe RH, Slatkowsky-Christensen B, Uhlig T, Hagen KB. Systematic review of design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011. PMID 21630479 · DOI
- Meals C, Meals R. Hand fractures: a review of current treatment strategies. J Hand Surg Am. 2013. PMID 23618458 · DOI
- Oikarinen K. Tooth splinting: a review of the literature and consideration of the versatility of a wire-composite splint. Endod Dent Traumatol. 1990. PMID 2094598 · DOI
- Kahler B, Hu JY, Marriot-Smith CS, Heithersay GS. Splinting of teeth following trauma: a review and a new splinting recommendation. Aust Dent J. 2016. PMID 26923448 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.