Table of Contents
Who invented the Hare traction splint?
In the 60s, a guy I met early in my career named Glen Hare built his version of a better traction splint called the Hare Traction Splint. It had all the components integrated, which was for the time revolutionary.
When was the traction splint invented?
The first traction splint was designed by John Hilton in 1860 and later modified by Hugh Owen Thomas, a British orthopedic surgeon in 1875.
What is a Hare traction splint used for?
A traction splint such as a Hare or Sager splint is used to reduce patient pain, secure the leg in an appropriate position and restore length to the femur (Figure 11-14). Relative contraindications to the use of traction splints include hip dislocation, fracture-dislocation of the knee, and concomitant ankle injury.
Are traction splints still used?
It is now commonly used for the immobilization of hip and thigh injuries. The modified Thomas splint adapted the original Thomas splint to include a traction screw and foot plate and limb support built into the splint body.
When was the Thomas splint first used?
The Thomas Splint was first described by Liverpool surgeon and bone-setter Hugh Owen Thomas in 1875 in his book “Diseases of the Hip, Knee and Ankle”. It was originally designed to provide immobilisation to treat both tuberculous joints and fractures of the femur by mechanical and physiologic rest.
How was the Thomas splint used in ww1?
Colonel Robert Jones, CB, promoted the use of the Thomas splint for the initial treatment of femoral fractures and reduced mortality related to compound fractures of the femur from 87% to less than 8% in the period from 1916 to 1918.
Why was the Thomas splint introduced?
Thomas advocated enforced rest as the best remedy for fractures and tuberculosis and created the so-called ‘Thomas Splint’ to stabilise a fractured femur and prevent infection. Previous to this the leg would have been amputated, which was often a death sentence.
What is a Thomas splint history?
History of the Thomas Splint The modern “Thomas” splint is one of the most common pieces of medical equipment used in hospitals. It is a simple tool used to effectively immobilize limbs and has successfully reduced the morbidity and mortality that was once involved with limb fractures.
Why was the Thomas splint useful?
It was only during the First World War that his techniques came to be used. Thomas advocated enforced rest as the best remedy for fractures and tuberculosis and created the so-called ‘Thomas Splint’ to stabilise a fractured femur and prevent infection.
When was the Thomas splint used?
The earliest splint was first used in 1865 for treating diseases of the knee such as tuberculosis by prolonged rest and immobilisation,1 and only later for the management of fractures of the lower limb.
How many types of traction are there?
There are two common types of traction. These include skin traction and skeletal traction.
How do you use a hare splint?
Hare Traction Splint (Bipolar Traction Splint) The Hare is a bipolar traction splint, which means it uses two external poles to support the injured leg. Assess distal PMS. Stabilize the injured leg by applying manual traction. Measure the splint on the uninjured leg and adjust the length accordingly.
How do traction splints work?
Traction splints provide a counter-pull to reduce the size of the thigh and realign the fractured femur. This helps reduce blood loss, alleviate pain and minimize further injury. The most common traction splints you’ll see in the field are the Hare (bipolar) and the Sager (unipolar).
What is the difference between a Thomas and Hare traction splint?
The modified Thomas splint adapted the original Thomas splint to include a traction screw and foot plate and limb support built into the splint body. The Hare traction splint is a further adaptation of the Thomas splint.
Who is the father of traction splint?
The first widely used model of traction splint was introduced by Hugh Owen Thomas, a Welsh surgeon, considered by many to be the father of modern orthopaedic surgery. ^ Bledsoe, B; Barnes, D (August 2004).