Traction splint 3233638 198350974 2008-03-15T04:38:20Z 65.89.233.102 /* Models */ changed "normal" to "normally" A '''traction splint''' is used to treat severe bone fractures of the [[femur]]. The use of traction splints by [[prehospital care]] providers is designed to reduce the pain of [[physical trauma|trauma]] from such fractures and are a near-universal piece of [[ambulance]] equipment. == Principles == Traction splints are most commonly used for mid-shaft [[bone fracture|fractures]] of the [[femur]], or upper leg bone. Due to its being the strongest bone in the body, the [[muscle]]s surrounding the bone are also strong. When the bone is broken, the surrounding muscles often [[spasm]], pulling the bone ends past each other, causing immense pain, muscle, and nerve damage. Traction splints are applied only when the fracture is isolated to the femur and there are no other associated traumatic injuries to the leg or pelvis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cwu.edu/~pehls/emt/Traction%20Splint%20Procedure.doc|title=Traction Splinting Procedure|publisher=[[Central Washington University]]|accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref> Use of a traction splint while other fractures in the leg exist will cause the weaker fracture site to pull apart and not the targeted femur fracture. ==Models== There are four basic types: the Thomas half-ring, the Hare, the Sager, and the KTD. The basic principle is that one end of the traction splint is positioned against the [[hip]], and pushes upward against the [[pelvic]] bone. A strap around the foot and [[ankle]] is connected to the other end of the splint, and tightened to counteract the muscle tension and produce [[traction (orthopedics)|traction]]. Only then are additional straps added to aid immobilization of the limb. The Thomas half-ring consists of a padded half-circle of steel which is strapped to the hip, hinged to a U-shaped rod that extends along both sides of the leg. An ankle strap may be fashioned from cloth, and tied or twisted to apply traction force. The Hare traction splint is similar, to the Thomas. Its length is adjustable via [[telescoping (mechanics)|telescoping]] rods, and it has built-in straps for the hip, and to support the leg at several points along its length. It also provides a more comfortable ankle strap and a small [[winch]] that makes it much easier to apply and adjust traction force. The Sager splint consists of a metallic splint that is placed between the patient's legs. Some models may be placed on the side closest to the injury for [[symmetry (biology)#Bilateral symmetry|bilateral]] femur fractures without pelvic trauma. Straps are then applied, first at the thigh and then at the ankle, to strap the injured leg to the pole and provide support. The pole is extended to supply the needed traction, and then both legs are wrapped with [[cravat]]-like straps. The KTD (Kendrick Traction Device) eliminates the need for leg-raising and unnecessary rolling of the patient, and can be easily applied to both pediatric and adult applications. It consists of a round pole that can be located on the lateral aspect of the leg, with straps at the upper thigh and ankle for immediate placement, and three wider straps for immobilization. It is very light at 20 ounces. The KTD does not afford the rotational stability normally seen in long bone traction splints. == References == {{reflist}} == External links == *[http://www.haretractionsplint.com Hare Traction Splint - history, userguide, clinical article.] *[http://www.sagersplints.com A Sager splint research incorporation] *[http://www.emtlife.com/archive/index.php/t-2321.html Traction splints - tips of the trade?] {{treatment-stub}}