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.
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.
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.
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.
