What was the Thomas splint in ww1?
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.
What impact did the Thomas splint have?
When the Thomas Splint was consistently used, an enormous reduction in the mortality rate of soldiers with severe thigh injuries was observed. While not solely because of the introduction of use of the Thomas Splint, it is believed to have played a large role in reducing the mortality rate from over 80% to just 15.6%.
Who invented the Thomas splint?
The Thomas splint is a common piece of equipment in emergency departments and orthopaedic units in hospitals worldwide. Its basic design has changed little since its first description by Hugh Owen Thomas was published in 1875.
Is the Thomas splint used today?
This splint is still used today in the treatment of some femoral fractures in children. The Thomas splint has also continued to prove its value in armed conflict.
Is Thomas splint a traction?
Definitive treatment In cases where there are contraindications to surgery and/or socio-economic issues do not permit fracture fixation, Thomas’s splint traction can be used as the definitive method of treatment.
What was the Thomas splint made of?
The splint is made from a canvas covered iron frame. Thomas-type splints were ideally used shortly after the injury had occurred and they greatly reduced the death rate from fractures.
How do you apply a Thomas splint?
Procedure
- Apply firm manual traction to the limb maintaining the foot in a dorsiflexed position.
- Support the knee and thigh.
- Apply the skin extension longitudinally around the leg.
- The skin traction should then be secured from thigh to the ankle using crepe bandages.
How many types of Thomas splints are there?
There are 2 types of Thomas splint frame.