There are several different types of splints, including: • Soft Splints: Soft splinting is the simplest form of splinting. It can be provided with the use of a pillow or blankets and is secured around the injured area and held in place with tape or ties. • Hard Splints: Commonly used for extremity injuries, hard splints can be as simple as using a cardboard box or a padded board, while others can be custom-made out of plaster or fiberglass which are molded to fit the patient's extremity. • Air or Vacuum Splint: Air or vacuum splints are commonly used to treat orthopedic injuries. Air or vacuum splints conform well to the injured extremity, but excessive pressure from these types of splints can compromise circulation if the blood vessels and veins are compressed too heavily. • Traction Splints: Traction splints are used to support a broken bone, minimize movement and potential deformities, and provide traction to keep the bones aligned and prevent them from moving. Traction splints are often used for injuries in large bones such as the femur or mid-shaft lower leg, but can also be used on other areas of the body.