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Traction Splints: Types and Uses

Traction splints are essential for stabilizing pelvic and lower extremity fractures, particularly femur fractures, to prevent further injury and blood loss. The most commonly used types are the Hare® and Sager® splints, which apply traction to the affected limb but should not be used if a pelvic fracture is suspected or if there are open fractures or neurovascular injuries. Proper application techniques are outlined for both splints, emphasizing the importance of assessing the injury and ensuring proper fit and function.

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Bogs Wagen
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15 views2 pages

Traction Splints: Types and Uses

Traction splints are essential for stabilizing pelvic and lower extremity fractures, particularly femur fractures, to prevent further injury and blood loss. The most commonly used types are the Hare® and Sager® splints, which apply traction to the affected limb but should not be used if a pelvic fracture is suspected or if there are open fractures or neurovascular injuries. Proper application techniques are outlined for both splints, emphasizing the importance of assessing the injury and ensuring proper fit and function.

Uploaded by

Bogs Wagen
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

TRACTION SPLINTS

Pelvic fractures and lower extremity fractures are potentially life and
limb threatening. Fractures of the femur can damage vessels and nerves
when bony fragments move. Stabilization in the field is important to
minimize blood loss and soft tissue damage. The femoral traction splint
is the preferred device for femur fractures.
Several leg traction splint variations are available for use. The two
most commonly used types are the Hare® splint (Dynamed, Westbury,
Tasmania) and the Sager® splint (Minto Research and Development,
Inc., Redding, CA). The underlying technique is the application of traction by a
hitch on the ankle against resistance when the splint impinges
proximally on the pelvis. The padded proximal end of the Hare® splint
abuts the ischial tuberosity. The proximal end of the Sager®
splint rests against the pubic symphysis. These splints can
not be used if a pelvic fracture is suspected because the pressure on
the pelvis may further displace a fracture and cause more bleeding.
Also, do not apply a traction splint if there is open fracture, hip
dislocation, suspicion for neurovascular injury to the extremity, or injury
about the knee, because a traction splint may exacerbate neurovascular
or knee [Link] traction splints also may be used for tibial shaft fractures.
Traction splints should not be used for fractures near the knee because
longitudinal traction may damage neurovascular structures in the popliteal
region.
Traction splints for the tibia should be reserved for angulated or displaced
fractures; otherwise, an air splint or a pillow splint would suffice.
At the scene, clothing should be removed and the extremity assessed
for injury and distal neurovascular function. If the Hare® splint is used,
the proximal half ring is placed in the crease of the buttocks against the
ischial tuberosity. Traction is placed on the ankle with the padded ankle
strap by one rescuer while the splint is strapped to the leg. The ankle
strap is then attached to a ratcheting mechanism, and traction is tight
ened. If a Sager® splint is used, the splint is placed on the medial side
of the limb up against the groin. The padded ankle hitch is applied, and
traction is applied until malalignment is reduced and pain is relieved.
Elastic straps are then applied to hold the splint to the leg.
The Hare® splint can be longer than an ambulance cot when fully
extended, and care needs to be taken when closing the rear door of the
ambulance. The Sager® splint is shorter than the Hare® splint, and one
Sager® splint can be used to splint both legs simultaneously. The Sager®
splint is less bulky and therefore takes up less room in an ambulance or
a helicopter.

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