What was a Thomas half-ring and what was it used for?
Traction splints are used for reducing and immobilizing long bone fractures of the femur. In the early 1900s, femur fractures were often fatal. The Thomas Traction Splint, also commonly called the Thomas Half-Ring, was the first traction splint.
What was the Thomas splint 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.
How did the Thomas splint help in ww1?
This splint revolutionised the manner in which men injured in the First World War were treated. Introduced in 1916 to the Front, the Thomas splint reduced the rate of mortality from fractures (of the femur in particular) from 80% to 20%, in 1918.
How does Thomas splint work?
The basic principle is that one end of the traction splint is positioned against the hip, and pushes upward against the pelvic bone. A strap around the foot and ankle is connected to the other end of the splint, and tightened to counteract the muscle tension and produce traction.
What is a splint?
A splint is a supportive device that protects a broken bone or injury. A splint keeps the injured part of your body still to help with pain and promote healing. Some splints are flexible and some are rigid.
Who invented the new splint in ww1?
The Thomas Splint was invented by Hugh Owen Thomas well before it was utilised in World War One. In 1865 Thomas described the splint in his book, Diseases of the Hip, Knee and Ankle Joints with Their Deformities Treated by a New and Efficient Method.
When do you use a Thomas splint?
Thomas, initially for immobilization for tuberculosis of the knee. It is now commonly used for the immobilization of hip and thigh injuries. The modified Thomas splint adapted the original Thomas splint to include a traction screw and foot plate and limb support built into the splint body.
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.
Who invented the splint?
In Thomas’ lifetime the splint was used for the treatment of fractures. However, it was his great-grandson, Hugh Owen Thomas, who became known as the “father of modern orthopaedics”. Among a myriad of medical innovations, Hugh Owen Thomas is best known for the invention of the “Thomas splint”.
What is a splint in first aid?
A splint is a supportive device used to keep in place any suspected fracture in one’s arm or leg. Splint is used to: Provide pain relief of the fractured limb. Support bone ends of the fracture site.