Aircast rail

The Aircast rail is an orthosis that is used to stabilize the ankle.

What is an aircast rail?

The Aircast splint is an orthosis that is used to stabilize the ankle joint.

The Aircast splint acts as a stabilizer for the ankle. It belongs to the group of orthoses. Orthoses are medical aids that are used to stabilize, relieve, guide, immobilize and correct limbs.

Aircast splints are the most prescribed splints for ankle and ankle injuries. They are available in different versions in medical supply stores or online.

Shapes, types & types

The Aircast rail is available in a version for the right and left foot. The splint is an orthosis to stabilize the ankle joint. Pro- and supination are limited. The pronation in the foot describes the lifting of the outer edge of the foot while at the same time lowering the inner edge of the foot. Supination is an external movement of the foot. The outer edge of the foot lowers, the inner edge of the foot rises.

The Schiene model has integrated, anatomically shaped shells. The ankle joint is additionally stabilized by the so-called ATF tension band. The supination and pronation restriction can be individually adjusted thanks to this drawstring. This orthosis is very easy to use, even if the swelling is severe. Thanks to the step-in design, you can slip your foot directly into the rail. The Aircast splint does not affect the rolling process of the foot.

Other models also have a duplex air cushion. This reduces pain and swelling in injuries to the ankle. Anatomically shaped outer shells and adjustable Velcro straps ensure an optimal fit. Here, too, the unwinding process is not impaired. Still other models are primarily intended for the acute care of injuries.

Structure & functionality

Aircast splints are usually worn after ankle injuries. Most of these injuries are caused by twisting ankle while exercising or falling. These lesions should never be underestimated. If they are not treated properly or possibly not treated at all, instability in the ankle can result. This cannot be corrected later and leads to numerous complaints or symptoms of overload.

Orthoses such as the Aircast splint are used after most joint and ligament injuries. They stabilize the ankle, which has become unstable due to the injuries. With the rails it is possible to walk normally. The rolling movements of the foot are hardly restricted. The sewn-in splints prevent them from twisting again. The splint holds the joint in position. Rotational movements are not possible due to the lateral restriction caused by the rail. The injured joint is spared by this immobilization. Thanks to the splint, an operation or plaster treatment for injuries to the ankle is now only necessary in exceptional cases.

With most injuries, the splint must be worn permanently for the first two weeks. Movements can occur during sleep, especially at night, which could further damage the irritated joint. This is prevented by the rail. From the third week the splint usually only needs to be put on during the day. At the beginning of the fourth week, the splint is left out more and more frequently. For the next four to six weeks it is advisable to wear the splint while exercising.

Medical & health benefits

Indications for an aircast splint are acute injuries to the ankle. These include, for example, degree I, II and III distortions. A distortion is a closed injury to a joint that results from exceeding the physiological range of motion. If the ankle is distorted, the inner or outer collateral ligaments are overstretched or torn. It is also popularly known as an ankle sprain. This manifests itself in severe pain and swelling. The stress on the joint is extremely painful, but still possible.

If the joint can no longer be loaded, the bone is probably involved. In such cases, treatment with the Aircast splint is not sufficient. In order to rule out bone involvement, an X-ray or an MRI image is usually made.

The Aircast splints are also used for post-operative care. Such operations are performed in the event of torn ligaments or ankle fractures. Chronic ligament instabilities can also mean that a splint has to be worn, especially in stressful situations. Chronic ligament instabilities can develop despite early treatment. Most of the time, these instabilities are an outlying ligament weakness. This can lead to the ankle buckling even on minor occasions. In addition, torsional loads can lead to increased joint play. Due to this increased mobility, the articular cartilage is stressed more than usual and permanently damaged. With the help of the Aircast splints, more stability in the joint can be ensured and signs of wear and tear can be prevented.