THOMAS SPLINT
PRESENTER: DR. SHOBHET SAXENA
M O D E R AT O R : D R . N A G A K U M A R J . S
NAME OF THE LECTURER- Dr
SHOBHET SAXENA
DATE- 13/03/2023
LESSON
PLAN TIME- 10 MINS
TOPIC- THOMAS SPLINT
At the end of class all participants
should be able to know:
SPECIFIC
LEARNING • What is Thomas splint and its history?
OBJECTIVES • How to select and prepare Thomas splint?
• Uses of Thomas Splint?
.
HISTORY
∙ Thomas's splint was described originally by
Hugh Owen Thomas (Thomas, 1876) as a
knee appliance which he used in the ambulant
management of chronic or subacute
inflammation of the knee joint.
Structure of Thomas
Splint
∙ The present splint consists of a padded oval metal ring covered
with soft leather, to which are attached inner and outer side bars.
∙ These side bars which exactly bisect the oval ring, are of unequal
length so that the padded ring is set at an angle of 120 degrees to
the inner side bar.
∙ At the distal end the two side bars are joined together in the
form of a 'W’.
∙ The outer side bar is often angled out 2 inches (5.0 em) below
the padded ring, to clear a prominent greater trochanter .
∙ The padded ring is made in different sizes and the side bars in
varying lengths.
Choosing a Thomas
splint
1. Measure the oblique circumference of the thigh
immediately below the gluteal fold and ischial
tuberosity.
2. The line of measurement is oblique and must
correspond with the inclination of the ring of the
splint.
3. This measurement equals the internal
circumference of the padded ring.
4. Measure the distance from the crotch to the heel
and add 6 to 9 inches ( 15 to 23 cm). This
distance equals the length of the inner side bar
∙ Prepare slings, between the side bars, on which the limb can
rest.
∙ Cut an adequate length of 6 inch (15·0cm) wide bandage. It
is better to cut off excess length later, than to have to
change a sling which is too short, after the limb has been
Preparing a placed in the splint.
∙
Thomas Pass the length of bandage around the inner side bar. Then
pass both ends above the outer side bar .
Splint ∙ Fasten the two ends to the sling so formed with two large
safety pins or toothed clips.
∙ In this way the tension of the sling can be adjusted easily
after the splint has been fined to the limb, to ensure uniform
support of the limb, and to avoid excess pressure in the
region of the neck of the fibula and the tendo calcaneus.
∙ The distal sling must end 2 and half inches (6·0 em)
above the heel to avoid pressure sores developing
over the tendo calcaneus.
∙ Line the slings with Gamgee tissue.
∙ Place one large pad from Gamgee tissue or cotton
wool. This pad should measure roughly 6 by 9
inches ( 15 by 23 cm) and be about 2 inches (5·0 em)
thick when compressed.
∙ Place this pad transversely under the lower part of
the thigh to maintain the normal anterior bowing of
the femoral shaft .
∙ After the splint has been fitted, bandage the limb into
the splint.
Uses of Thomas
Splint
∙ Temporary stabilization of femoral shaft
fractures can be achieved using the
Thomas’s splint apparatus.
∙ It can also be used for transportation of
patients. This can provide adequate
fracture stability and pain relief until
definitive stabilization is carried out.
Reference:
∙ Traction and Orthopaedic Appliances by J.D.M. Stewart
(Author), J.P. Hallett (Author)
Thank You
