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.

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.