Traction splint

Last revised by Andrew Murphy ◉ on 13 Dec 2020

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Botz B, Murphy A, Traction splint. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Jun 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-85084

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-85084

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/85084

rID:

85084

Article created:

13 Dec 2020, Bálint Botz ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Bálint Botz had no recorded disclosures.

View Bálint Botz's current disclosures

Last revised:

13 Dec 2020, Andrew Murphy ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Andrew Murphy had no recorded disclosures.

View Andrew Murphy's current disclosures

Revisions:

2 times, by 2 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Trauma

Synonyms:

kendrick splint, kendrich splint

Traction splints are external devices primarily used in the pre-hospital acute management for the reduction and immobilization of femoral shaft fractures. Their main aim is to limit movement of fracture fragments, thus reducing the risk of vessel injury, pain, and nerve damage ¹.

Radiographic features

The splint has a pole with adjustable length, and several attachments at the level of the ankle, lower leg, and thigh ². Initial radiographs or CT are commonly performed prior to the removal of the splint. Depending on the material of the splint it can be between well visualized to relatively radiolucent/low density in imaging.