What is a traction splint used for?
Femoral traction splints are used to temporarily stabilize and possibly reduce femoral shaft fractures. Femoral traction splints are designed to apply traction to the lower portion of the leg, distal to the fracture, usually by pulling the ankle away from a stabilized pelvis.
When should you not use a traction splint?
It should be stressed that traction splints should not be used in either proximal or distal femur fractures due to the propensity of the device to cause movement of the hip or knee, increasing the risk of complications 1.
Do traction splints work?
Traction splints are most commonly used for fractures of the femur (or upper leg bone). For these fractures they may reduce pain and decrease the amount of bleeding which occurs into the soft tissues of the leg. Some state that they are appropriate for middle tibia fractures which are displaced or bent.
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Can you traction splint an open fracture?
Traction splints should be used for isolated femoral fractures and gunshot wounds in victims without concomitant life-threatening injuries. In an open or gunshot fracture, the indication for splinting is even greater, due to the possibility of neurovascular and extensive soft tissue injuries.
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How do vacuum splints work?
A vacuum splint is a device like a small vacuum mattress that is used in emergency medicine as a temporary splint. Vacuum splints operate by extracting air from the splint itself to enable the thousands of polystyrene balls inside the splint to mold around the injured body part similar to an orthopedic cast.
How can I improve my leg traction?
Skin Traction It involves applying splints, bandages, or adhesive tapes to the skin directly below the fracture. Once the material has been applied, weights are fastened to it. The affected body part is then pulled into the right position using a pulley system attached to the hospital bed.
What should you always do before applying a splint?
How to apply a splint
- Attend to any bleeding. Attend to bleeding, if any, before you attempt to place the splint.
- Apply padding. Then, apply a bandage, a square of gauze, or a piece of cloth.
- Place the splint.
- Watch for signs of decreased blood circulation or shock.
- Seek medical help.
How much traction do you pull on a traction splint?
Sager traction splint can measure the actual traction applied on the gauge. The optimal traction is roughly 10% to 15% of a patient’s body weight. Position the splint between the patient’s legs, resting the saddle against the ischial tuberosity.
What are the contraindications to the use of a traction splint?
The contraindications for use of a traction splint include injuries close to the knee or involving the knee itself, hip or pelvic injuries, lower leg or ankle injuries, and any partial amputation or avulsion with bone separation where the distal limb is connected only by marginal tissue.
How did the Thomas splint help?
Thomas advocated enforced rest as the best remedy for fractures and tuberculosis and created the so-called ‘Thomas Splint’ to stabilise a fractured femur and prevent infection. Previous to this the leg would have been amputated, which was often a death sentence.
