An occlusal splint or orthotic device is a specially designed mouth guard for people who grind their teeth, have a history of pain and dysfunction associated with their bite or temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or have completed a full mouth reconstruction. An occlusal splint is custom-made using detailed study models on an instrument called an articulator that simulates the movement of the jaws. The occlusal splint is made from a processed acrylic resin and is designed to guide the jaw as it moves side-to-side and front-to-back. This precise custom orthotic device not only protects the teeth from harmful habits, but it supports the TMJ and the muscles that are used in chewing.
A recent innovation in occlusal splints/orthotic devices includes a specific modification designed to reposition the lower jaw allowing improved airflow while the patient is sleeping to aid in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Occlusal splints are often customized to suit the specific needs of a patient. For more information on occlusal splints, find a Prosthodontists with us today. Browse our network of doctors near you today by entering your zip code to the right.
Maryland-based splint supplier Dynasplint Systems Inc., and its founder and president, George Hepburn, have agreed to pay approximately $10.3 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by improperly billing Medicare for splints provided to patients in skilled nursing facilities, the Department of Justice announced today.
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by Meredith Deane, a former sales executive for Dynasplint, under the whistleblower, or qui tam, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The United States may intervene in such an action as it did here. Ms. Deane will receive at least $1.98 million for the settlement.
In August 2013, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended payments to Dynasplint based upon credible allegations of fraud. As part of the settlement, defendants are agreeing to forfeit all funds held by this payment suspension, approximately $8.5 million.
The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Deane v. Dynasplint Health Systems, Inc. and George Hepburn, Case No. 10-cv-2085 (E.D. La.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Ever since seeing a demonstration of how to use it, in a reconstruction of a Casualty Clearing Station in Heaton Park, I have been interested in the Thomas splint. This splint revolutionised the manner in which men injured in the First World War were treated.
Introduced in 1916 to the Front, the Thomas splint reduced the rate of mortality from fractures (of the femur in particular) from 80% to 20%, in 1918. 1 The splint was originally designed by Hugh Owen Thomas, considered the father of orthopaedic surgery in Britain, with the intention that it would stabilise a fracture and prevent infection. However, it was not fully appreciated until his nephew, Robert Jones, introduced it for use in the war.
Thus far, I have only uncovered one thin file relating to the Thomas splint in our collections. But the information it contains is rich. There is a wonderful diagram of the Thomas splint in use, which relates to an instruction leaflet of how to properly apply it.
My father used a Thomas Splint to mend an adult cows broken leg many years ago. I still have the splint which he had made. It was fitted slightly differently to a bovine in that it fitted between the cleft hoof and was secured with wire stapled to the hard part of hoof. It worked by taking the animals weight from shoulder to ground and therefore allowed the leg to heal. The leg was strapped to the long bars and the straps acted as supports and straighteners at the same time.
I had a Thomas traction fitted in 1975 age 13. I had osteomyelitis and fractured femur (site of osteomyelitis) whilst recovering in hospital. I was left with a severely bent leg. In 2012 I had a plate fitted the length of the femur to straighten in part my leg. I would love to know, for my own information, if the Thomas Traction splint may have caused the deformity of my leg.
A splint is a medical device that immobilizes the injured body part and protects it from further injury. It heals the fractured bones by keeping the broken ends together and in alignment. Splints also reduce pain and swelling.
The main purpose of splinting is to immobilize the joints and bones above and below the fracture site. This is to prevent bone edges from moving and damaging other muscles, vessels or nerves and further complications. Splinting will be effective when the adjacent joints and bones remain immobilized.
Before applying a fiberglass or plastic splints, the caregiver places cotton padding as a protective layer to the skin. Splints come in either strips or rolls. The caregiver dips the rolls or strips in water and applies it over the padding covering the injured area. Sometimes, the caregiver even covers the joint above and below the broken bone. The splint must fit the shape of the fractured arm or leg to provide adequate support.
The caregiver usually applies a splint to a fresh injury. Once the swelling subsides, the caregiver replaces the splint with a cast. Gradually, as the fracture starts to heal, the caregiver may again replace the cast with a splint.
A splint usually stays on for several days to weeks. A splint is usually preferred in case of swelling. Once the swelling resolves, the doctor will remove the splint and apply a cast. Splints need to be adjusted in the first few days if the injury is swollen.
Symptoms of a broken bone include pain at the site of injury, swelling, and bruising around the area of injury. Treatment of a fracture depends on the type and location of the injury.