- Immobilise Proximal 1/3 and mid-shaft femoral fractures.
- No reported contraindications
- Assess distal neurovascular observations:
- Pulse, Colour / Warmth / Movement / Sensation (CWMS)
- Compound fractures: being aware not to pull contaminates into the wound during traction
- Can be used in the presence of ankle/lower leg injury, amputation and pelvic injury.
- Procedure is under the control of the person applying manual traction.
- Unilateral fracture, second splint required for bilateral fractures.
- If TPOD being utilised, this needs to be applied before the Slishman traction splint
Step 1: Attach Ankle Strap
- Remove the ankle strap and end cap from the pole.
- Unroll the ankle strap, wrap comfortably around the patient’s ankle with the end cap lateral and facing up to receive splint pole.
- Securing it with the large Velcro attachment area
- The ankle strap can be positioned proximal to the calf in lower limb injuries/amputation
Step 2: Attach Groin Strap
- Rest the female buckle on the patient’s anterior thigh.
- Slide the male end of the strap under and around the patient’s anterior thigh.
- Secure the groin strap with the female end and adjust the length if needed until comfortably secured.
Step 3: Apply Coarse Traction
- Release the lower black distal clamp and extend the distal pole.
- Insert distal pole it into ankle strap end cap.
- Apply coarse traction by extending the pole until resistance is felt, then tighten distal clamp.
Step 4: Apply Fine Traction
- Open the top red proximal clamp.
- Pull the traction cord that extends from the end of the pole until you have reached desired traction
- To reach desired traction, resistance on the cord will be felt and potentially a reduction in pain for the patient
- Tighten the red proximal clamp and release the traction cord
Step 5: Reassess and Monitor
- Reassess the patient’s CWMS and pain level
- Adjust traction as needed to minimize pain, while maintaining perfusion
- For rotational stability, attach mid leg strap to splint and wrap (one or both legs) below the knee.
Additional information
- Manual traction should be maintained while setting up and applying the splint
- Prior to applying the splint, assess the patient’s circulation, sensory, and motor response and ensure you have all the components of the splint.
- Extra padding may be required for comfort under pinch points.
- A second splint is required for bilateral femur fractures
Training images
- Once applied the traction applied will aid in reducing pain and stabilise the fracture
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