Region	Type of splint/cast	Indications	Pearls/pitfalls	Follow-up/referral
Ankle	Posterior ankle splint (“post-mold”)	Severe sprains	Splint ends 2 inches distal to fibular head to avoid common peroneal nerve compression	Less than one week
		Isolated, nondisplaced malleolar fractures		Refer for displaced or multiple fractures or significant joint instability
		Acute foot fractures
Ankle	Stirrup splint	Ankle sprains	Mold to site of injury for effective compression	Less than one week
		Isolated, nondisplaced malleolar fractures
Lower leg, ankle, and foot	Short leg cast	Isolated, nondisplaced malleolar fractures	Compartment syndrome most commonly associated with proximal mid-tibial fractures, so care is taken not to over-compress	Two to four weeks
				Refer for displaced or angulated fracture or proximal first through fourth metatarsal fractures
		Foot fractures—tarsals and metatarsals
			Weight-bearing status important; initially non–weight bearing with tibial injuries
Knee and lower leg	Posterior knee splint	Acute soft tissue and bony injuries of the lower extremity	If ankle immobilization is necessary, as with tibial shaft injuries, the splint should extend to include the metatarsals	Days
Foot	Short leg cast with toe plate extension	Distal metatarsal and phalangeal fractures	Useful technique for toe immobilization	Two weeks
			Often used when high-top walking boots are not available	Refer for displaced or unstable fractures