How to Make a Traction Splint for a Fractured Femur

Splinting a fracture of the femur - the large bone in the upper part of the leg - is a two-stage process. This is the second stage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Preliminaries

1. Assess for fracture (see "How to Assess for Fracture").

2. Immobilize the injury: Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury.

3. Apply traction: Have a second rescuer gently pull on the heel to straighten the leg. Maintain traction throughout the splinting process.

4. Make a preliminary splint to immobilize the injury (see "How to Make a Preliminary Splint for a Fractured Femur").

5. Gather the materials for the traction splint: a trekking pole (or any rigid pole-like object), a hiking boot or shoe (which could be taken from the other foot of the injured person), at least 1 triangular bandage, 3-4 lengths of rope (for tying the traction splint to the initial splint) and lots of clothing for padding.

Ankle Hitch

6. Cut two holes in the shoe on the foot of the injured leg. The holes should be 2-3 inches long and 1/4-inch tall, just above the sole on either side of the foot at the arch. The idea is to be able to thread a cravat under the arch of the foot.

7. Fold the triangular bandage into a cravat.

8. Thread the cravat through the holes, passing under the arch of the foot.

9. Cut away the toe of the shoe and the sock underneath in order to monitor the toes for swelling as well as for circulation, sensation and motion.

The Splint

10. Insert one end of the pole into the empty boot.

11. Place the boot against the crotch, taking care to pad the crotch well. The pole should now extend from the crotch to at least 12 inches below the foot.

12. Pull one end of the ankle hitch around the snow basket at the lower end of the pole.

13. Pull on both ends of the hitch until traction on the leg is at least equal to the manual traction that the second rescuer is applying.

14. Tie the ends of the hitch together, taking care not to release any of the traction in the process.

15. Tie the traction splint to the initial splint.

16. Place padding up and down the leg between the leg and the pole. Be especially careful to pad the femoral pressure point.

17. Back up any suspect knots.

18. Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see eHows on treating fractures). Be especially careful to monitor the toes for circulation, sensation and motion.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain traction at all times: Muscle spasms tend to pull against the traction that the second rescuer is applying. Without traction, these spasms yank the broken bone into angulation, causing extreme pain and risking heavy bleeding.
• Femur fractures are often associated with heavy bleeding. Maintaining traction can reduce bleeding.
• If heavy bleeding is present, treat the bleeding first (see "How to Treat Severe Bleeding").
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[jull14]

on 6/28/2009 As always a great article with so much information. Excellent steps and very easy to follow, thank you so much for helping us learn everyday more. This is a very good article, thanks