What is a traction splint?

A traction splint is designed to apply a constant pull along the length of a fractured limb, particularly the femur, to align the bone and immobilize the injury. This mechanism helps to reduce pain and prevent further injury by stabilizing the fracture and minimizing movement. The steady traction is critical in realigning the bone fragments post-injury, allowing for better positioning for any further medical interventions as necessary.

In contrast, a splint that immobilizes a joint does not provide the same lengthwise traction; rather, it focuses on stabilizing a joint in place. A splint aimed at fixing arm fractures is not applicable here since traction splints are specifically intended for leg fractures, primarily involving the femur. Additionally, the assertion that a traction splint is only used in surgery is inaccurate. Traction splints can be applied in the pre-hospital setting by medics or first responders as part of emergency care to manage specific types of fractures effectively before reaching surgical facilities.