Abstract A splint for broken legs, and arms, incorporating simplified means for applying tension to the splinted limb. The splint will be secured to the proximal end portion of the injured leg or arm by conventional means such as that known as the Thomas half ring and straps but improved tensioning means is incorporated with the outer end of the splint for ultimate simplicity in construction as well as operation which is reflected in speedier and more efficient procedural use. End plate structure in the form of a simple casing snaps onto the outer end of the cradle portion of the splint but is easily removed for cleaning. A manually tensioned cable is routed through a cable guide on the casing thus assuring, a straight-line pull in the general plane of the cradle, even though applied manually, and automatic locking of the cable and quick release of tension when necessary is incorporated with the cable guide.
In a traction splint for attachment to a proximal portion of an injured limb: a leg-accommodating cradle including a pair of spaced rods elongated in one general plane for reception of an injured limb; means of said rods for securing said injured limb to said cradle; a foot-engaging sling for securement to the extremity of said limb; an end plate mounted on an end of said cradle; a cable with attachment means connecting said cable to said sling; an essentially tubular cable guide secured to said end plate and substantially in said general plane; said cable being threaded through said cable guide and extending distally therebeyond and capable of being grasped manually and pulled to apply tension to an injured limb limited to said general plane by said cable guide; and locking means to fasten the tensioned cable with reference to said cable guide and end plate said locking means includes a detent spring-pressed into cable-engaging position and having a manually operated lever shiftable to release the detent from the cable and thus instantly reducing or eliminating the tension when required.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
In a traction splint for attachment to a proximal portion of an injured limb: a leg-accommodating cradle including a pair of spaced rods elongated in one general plane for reception of an injured limb; means of said rods for securing said injured limb to said cradle; a foot-engaging sling for securement to the extremity of said limb; an end plate mounted on an end of said cradle; a cable with attachment means connecting said cable to said sling; an essentially tubular cable guide secured to said end plate and substantially in said general plane; said cable being threaded through said cable guide and extending distally therebeyond and capable of being grasped manually and pulled to apply tension to an injured limb limited to said general plane by said cable guide; and locking means to fasten the tensioned cable with reference to said cable guide and end plate said locking means includes a detent spring-pressed into cable-engaging position and having a manually operated lever shiftable to release the detent from the cable and thus instantly reducing or eliminating the tension when required.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A traction splint according to claim 1 wherein said end plate has a snap-on connection with said cradle and is normally firmly attached to said cradle and is easily removed therefrom for cleaning.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
A traction splint according to claim 1, wherein said cradle includes transverse rod structure at said one end of the longated cradle, and said end plate is in the form of a generally flat, substantially inflexible open-ended casing which occupies minimal storage space and which snaps over and onto said transverse rod structure and stabilizes the cradle against undue flexing so that lighted rod structure can be used in manufacture of the cradle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A traction splint according to claim 1 wherein said cable attaching means in use is in said general plane, and said cradle and sling are above said plane when the splint is generally horizontal and capable of supporting said limb entirely above said general plane, thereby obviating the need for a heel stand.