A Comprehensive Report on Traction Splint Utilization in Healthcare

This report provides a comprehensive overview of traction splints, primarily used for immobilizing lower limb fractures, particularly midshaft femur fractures. It details the indications for traction splint use, such as suspected isolated midshaft femur fractures, and outlines contraindications, including injuries near the knee, hip, or pelvis, and cases involving partial amputations or avulsions. The report also discusses the benefits of traction splints, such as pain reduction and fracture alignment, while acknowledging potential risks like nerve and vascular injuries, and excessive bleeding. Various types of traction splints, including Hare and Sager splints, are mentioned. The report emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation to achieve stabilization and concludes with a summary of the key points regarding traction splint utilization and associated risks.

Running Head: TRACTION SPLINT
TRACTION SPLINT
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Introduction
Traction splints are mostly used for the immobilization of the fractures of the lower
limb. There are several research-based pieces of evidences held on the efficacy of utilization of
traction splints. Therefore, there should be continuous re-evaluation on indication and
contraindication concerning the appropriateness of continuation traction splint.
Traction splint is, in most cases, used in the stabilization of the mid shaft femur
structure. With the appropriate application of traction, the broken ends of the bone have limited
movements, and this will aid in decreasing patient’s pain (Nackenson, Baez, & Meizoso, 2017).
Traction splint can be used for all mid shaft femur fractures. The latter can be established to this
patient to make sure that the he has the comfort that he requires. It is also essential for the patient
patients because the fracture splint ensures that there are better fracture alignment and even an
improvement in the rate of blood flow. Traction splint can be utilized for both closed and open
fractures for the femoral diaphysis. It is designed to offer an impermanent steadiness at the scene
for transportation to the particular healthcare institution. However, prolonged utilization of
traction splint can lead to pressure sores.
There are several types of splints used in tractions, including Thomas, Hare, CT-6, and
Slishman traction splints, among others. The most common splints are Hare and Sager. Glen
Hare developed the Hare traction splint. The Hare splint modified the full ring Thomas splint
into half-ring splint through the incorporation of a ratchet mechanism with additional length
adjustment mechanisms and also with the improvement of the ischial pad (Liodaki, Xing, &
Mailaender, 2015). On the other, the sager traction splint is unipolar traction. A unit steer rod sits
amid the patient's legs and traction from the ankle.it is more effective for proximal femur fracture
than hare splint.

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Indication and Contraindications for the Utilization of Traction Splints
Indications
Any suspected fracture that isolated from the midshaft femur is a clear indication of the
presence of traction splint. In the cases where there are other fractures in the pelvis, the knees, or
foot, then the effectiveness of traction is not mild (Gangavalli & Nwachuku, 2016). There might
not be effective traction in the areas as mentioned earlier because traction splints technically
need undamaged bone support on a band sites to be able to apply any traction.
Contraindications
The contraindications for the utilization of contraindication splint include;
When the injury is close to the knee
When there is an injury to the knee (Unnikrishnan & Bhalaik, 2014)
When there is an injury on the hip
When there is an injury to the pelvis
In case of a partial confiscation or avulsion with the split-up of the bone
When there is a lower leg injury or injury to the ankle
When one has partial amputation or avulsion with the separation of bone while the
marginal tissue only connects the distal limb (Runcie & Greene, 2015)
When one has a supracondylar fracture of the distal femur
It is advisable always to take the appropriate body substance isolation precautions in case one
has a femur fracture.

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Benefits of Using Traction Splint
Traction splints are mostly utilized for the fractures of the superior leg bone. They lead to
a reduction of pain and reduce the expanse of bleeding, which happens in the soft muscle of the
leg. Traction splints are only applied in cases where there are no fractures in the pelvis or the
knee, and when the fracture has not wrecked via the skin with the bone being observable.
With the existence of other fractures in the leg, the utilization of traction splint will make the
fracture site weaker and make it pull apart instead of healing the besieged femur fracture.
The risk associated with a traction splint (Khoriati, Jones, Gelfer, & Trompeter, 2016)
There are several risks involved in traction splints, including; injury to the nerves and vascular
injury from excessive weight
The surrounding tissues may also be damaged
Excessive bleeding
Conclusion
As discussed above, the utilization of traction splints is vital since it assists in the
immobilization of the midshaft femur structure. It helps in decreasing pain in the broken bones.
Traction splint will also ensure that there is proper fracture alignment and maintain the average
rate of blood flow. The splint has several risks, including injury to the nerves and excessive
bleeding, among other risks. It is advisable to take evaluation issues with seriousness so as to
achieve stabilization.

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References
Gangavalli, A. K., & Nwachuku, C. O. (2016). Management of distal femur fractures in adults:
an overview of options. Orthopedic Clinics, 47(1), 85-96.
Khoriati, A. A., Jones, C., Gelfer, Y., & Trompeter, T. (2016). The management of paediatric
diaphyseal femoral fractures: a modern approach. Strategies in Trauma and Limb
Reconstruction, 11(2), 87-97.
Liodaki, E., Xing, S. G., & Mailaender, P. (2015). Management of difficult intra-articular
fractures or fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Journal of Hand
Surgery, 40(1), 16-23.
Nackenson, J., Baez, A. A., & Meizoso, J. P. (2017). A descriptive analysis of traction splint
utilization and IV analgesia by emergency medical services. Prehospital and disaster
medicine, 32(6), 631-635.
Runcie, H., & Greene, M. (2015). Femoral traction splints in mountain rescue prehospital care:
to use or not to use? That is the question. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 26(3),
305-311.
Unnikrishnan, P. N., & Bhalaik, V. (2014). Management of acute fractures of the hand.
Orthopaedics and Trauma, 28(4), 205-213.