Traction splint
Traction Splint
A Traction Splint (pronounced: trak-shun splint) is a medical device primarily used in pre-hospital settings to stabilize and immobilize a suspected fracture in the lower extremities.
Etymology
The term "traction" is derived from the Latin word "tractus," meaning "to pull," and "splint" comes from the Middle English "splent," which refers to a thin piece of material used to support a broken bone.
Usage
A Traction Splint is specifically designed to realign a fractured bone to its normal anatomical position and to reduce pain, potential vascular, nerve, and muscular damage. It works by applying a constant pull on the fractured bone, which helps to keep the broken ends apart and prevents them from rubbing together.
Types
There are several types of traction splints, including the Hare Traction Splint, the Sager Traction Splint, and the KTD (Kendrick Traction Device).
Hare Traction Splint
The Hare Traction Splint is a type of traction splint that is commonly used in the pre-hospital setting. It is designed to be used on fractures of the femur.
Sager Traction Splint
The Sager Traction Splint is another type of traction splint that is often used in emergency medical situations. It is designed to be used on fractures of the lower leg.
KTD (Kendrick Traction Device)
The KTD (Kendrick Traction Device) is a compact, lightweight traction splint that is often used in military and wilderness settings. It is designed to be used on fractures of the femur and lower leg.
Related Terms
- Fracture: A break in the continuity of the bone.
- Immobilization: The act of rendering a body part immobile.
- Pre-hospital care: Emergency medical care given to patients before arrival in the hospital.
- Femur: The thigh bone, which is the longest bone in the human body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Traction splint
- Wikipedia's article - Traction splint
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