Comparisons and Links
Many other femoral traction splints exist.
To make you an educated splintor we suggest
the following links:
Slishman Splint advantages:
1. Light weight.
<400 grams without straps,
<500 grams with straps.
2. Proximal traction.
Because traction is
adjusted at the proximal groin hitch, the patient is able to take part
in traction adjustment to minimize pain. Proximal traction adjustment
is also more convenient in tight transports such as helicopters where the
distal leg is often out of reach. If desired, the splint may also
be applied with handle adjacent to the ankle allowing a distal point of
traction.
3. One size fits all.
Pediatric to adult,
the hiking and ski pole length ranges from 82 to 145 cm from handle to
tip. The femur-only splint fits all sizes as well and compacts to 55 cm.
4. Compactness when applied.
Most others generally
extend >20 cm beyond the foot; the hiking/ski pole Slishman Splint
extends <10 cm and the femur-only version does not extend past the foot
at all. Perfect for Stokes basket, sled, helicopter, ambulance, etc.
Compare an early Slishman Splint prototype
and the femur-only splint:
with:
5. Multiple uses.
Skiing, hiking, etc..
Swing weight and functionality are virtually unchanged compared to standard
skiing or hiking poles.
6. Shoulder reductions.
7. Radiolucency.
Though visible on X-ray,
the 7075 aluminum does not obstruct visualization of dense bone.
Compare:
with:
8. Facilitates trauma room management.
Rectal exam, foley
insertion, patient rolling are all quite simple with one or two splints
attached.
9. Bridge to the OR.
Because the splint
is so simple to apply and adjust, it may be useful for short term traction
instead of inserting a traction pin prior to the operating room.
1. Single sided traction.
Thomas or Hare type
splints apply symmetric traction to the leg, limiting rolling, providing
greater stability. The Slishman Splint requires improvised padding
and fastening to a backboard or the uninjured leg.
2. Single femur traction.
The Sager Splint stabilizes
bilateral femur fractures. Of course, two Slishman Splints will accomplish
the same.
3. No tension dial.
The Sager Splint offers
a spring loaded gauge indicating tension applied to the leg. The
Donway traction splint applies traction pneumatically and also offers a
tension gauge. If you find numerical tension measurement critical,
then the Slishman Splint is not for you.
UNM
Department of Emergency Medicine
UNM
EMS Academy
Science
and Technologies Corporation of UNM
Black Diamond
Corporation
National
Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Wilderness
Medical Associates
Wilderness
Medical Society
SamSplint
LTR
Training Systems Inc.
Endorphin
Power Company