Armboards have long been the traditional solution for IV joint stabilization because their versatile design can help healthcare facilities reduce costs and save storage space. In recent years, however, IV splints — including ergonomic options such as the TLC Splint — have become increasingly popular among both nurses and patients. So, which option is the better choice for IV joint stabilization?
For many hospitals and medical facilities, the decision depends on several important factors, including:
· Patient safety and comfort
· Staff efficiency and time management
· Storage capacity and organization
· Product cost and long-term value
The comparison below outlines the advantages and disadvantages of both IV armboards and IV splints, helping healthcare providers determine which stabilization solution best fits their clinical needs and operational requirements.
Armboards have been used for many years to stabilize areas of flexion during IV therapy, including the hand, elbow, wrist, and foot. Most traditional armboards feature a flat design with straps or medical tape used to secure the device to the patient’s limb. Because they are not designed for one specific anatomical area, a single armboard style can often be used for multiple IV insertion sites.
Universal Equipment Design
One of the main advantages of traditional armboards is their universal design. In many cases, the same armboard can be used for different patients and IV placement locations, reducing the time nurses spend searching for specific stabilization products. This simplicity can improve workflow efficiency during IV insertion and patient care.
Lower Initial Costs
Traditional IV armboards are generally considered a cost-effective option for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Their multi-purpose design helps reduce the need to stock different product sizes and styles, which may also help save storage space and simplify inventory management.
Outdated and Less Ergonomic Design
Although traditional armboards can effectively stabilize IV sites, many older designs do not prioritize patient ergonomics or comfort. Some armboards are made from cardboard or metal materials. Cardboard can weaken or break when bent to fit a patient’s limb, while metal armboards are unsuitable for MRI environments.
Many traditional armboards also require medical tape for secure placement. Tape may restrict circulation, irritate sensitive skin, and increase patient discomfort. In addition, the rigid structure of conventional armboards can limit mobility, which may be particularly problematic for pediatric and neonatal patients.
Limited Visibility and IV Site Access
Certain armboards use wide straps that cover the IV insertion site, reducing visibility and making routine inspection more difficult. For pediatric and neonatal patients who require frequent monitoring, limited access can slow the assessment process for nurses and medical staff.
Reduced visibility may also delay the detection of common IV complications such as infiltration or extravasation. In addition, while traditional armboards help immobilize joints, they may not adequately address pressure injury prevention. Peripheral IV catheters can contribute to pressure ulcer development, especially in active patients, increasing the need for careful monitoring and ongoing skin assessment.
The TLC® Splint is a modern alternative to traditional IV armboards. Designed specifically for intravenous therapy, it helps stabilize joints while improving patient comfort and safety during treatment. Unlike many conventional armboards, the TLC Splint keeps the IV site visible and accessible, allowing nurses to monitor the insertion area more easily and respond quickly to potential complications.
Improved Patient Comfort
The TLC Splint is ergonomically contoured to fit specific anatomical areas where IV lines are commonly inserted, including the wrist, elbow, foot, and ankle. Different sizes and configurations allow healthcare providers to select a more precise and comfortable fit based on the patient’s age, anatomy, and IV placement site.
Its anatomical design helps stabilize the joint while supporting better catheter alignment inside the blood vessel. This may help improve both patient comfort and IV safety during therapy.
Anatomically Specific Design
Unlike flat universal armboards, TLC Splints are designed for specific extremities and body areas. The availability of multiple sizes makes them particularly beneficial for pediatric and neonatal patients, where proper fit and gentle stabilization are especially important.
This anatomically focused approach helps nurses secure IV lines more effectively while reducing unnecessary pressure and discomfort.
Easier IV Site Access and Monitoring
The TLC Splint includes specially designed openings that allow nurses to “Touch, Look, and Compare” the IV insertion site with the opposite extremity — the feature that inspired the product’s name.
These openings improve visibility and provide easier access for routine assessments, helping healthcare staff monitor the IV site regularly while minimizing disruption to the patient. Better visibility may also support earlier detection of complications such as infiltration or extravasation.
Increased Storage Requirements
Because TLC Splints are available in multiple sizes and anatomical variations, hospitals and clinics may need additional storage space and inventory organization compared with traditional flat armboards.
In contrast, conventional IV armboards are typically easier to store due to their simpler, universal design and fewer product variations.
