Supports for an injured or wounded part, especially a fracture. They consist of a rigid substance designed to take the place of the broken bone in maintaining the shape of the limb, as well as to keep the broken ends at rest and in contact and so ensure their union. Splints are most commonly made of metal, felt, leather, and cotton stiffened with plaster of Paris, as well as other materials. Splints may be improvised for first-aid out of walking-sticks, rifles, broom-handles, branches, folded-up newspapers, and in fact anything of suitable length and rigidity. (See also BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.)