II. Indications
- Midshaft Femur Fracture
III. Contraindications
IV. Efficacy
- Decreases Femur Fracture related Hemorrhage (based on expert opinion, controversial)
- Reduces pain
- Mortality may be reduced
V. Complications
- Pressure injuries and other Skin Injury
- Neurovascular injury
- Compartment Syndrome
- Injury to perineum or Urethra
- Other Fracture displacement
VI. Technique
- Images
- Informed Consent
- Opioid Analgesics and consider Leg Regional Anesthesia
- Preparation
- Traction Splint Setup
- Adjust the splint length to extend from Pelvis to 6 inches beyond the heel
- Unfold and lock the splint's heel stand (if present)
- Open all straps ready to apply to the leg
- Apply ankle harness device (typically separate from the splint)
- Apply the Traction Splint
- One staff member applies manual traction in-line or longitudinal with the anticipated splint angle (with stand if available)
- Slide traction device in place
- The saddle at the top of the splint should be applied to the ischial tuberosity of the Pelvis
- Attach the ankle harness to the traction pulley and rotate the winch until adequate traction is achieved
- Apply splint straps
- Reassess distal neurovascular exam frequently while applied
VII. Resources
- Traction Splints (EMS Web Info)
VIII. References
- Warrington (2022) Crit Dec Emerg Med 36(10): 14-5
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
Definition (SPN) | A noninvasive traction component is a device, such as a head halter, pelvic belt, or a traction splint, that does not penetrate the skin and is intended to assist in connecting a patient to a traction apparatus so that a therapeutic pulling force may be applied to the patient's body. |
Concepts | Medical Device (T074) |
SnomedCT | 422223008 |
English | SPLINT, TRACTION, Traction splint device (physical object), Traction splint device, traction splint, traction splints, splints traction, Traction Splints, Splints, Traction |
Spanish | férula de tracción, férula de tracción (objeto físico) |