SLISHMAN SPLINT _TM

Many other femoral traction splints exist.
To make you an educated splintor we suggest the following links:

• Sager Splint home page
• Reel Traction Splint home page
• Kendrick Traction Device distributor
• CT-6 and Faretec home page
• Donway Traction Splint distributor
• Galls.com, Boundtree.com and Ferno.com .. distributors of multiple splint types including Hare, Fernotrac, Sager, Kendrick

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