Page 31 - Orthopedic Casts and Splints2

Performance Steps
NOTE: Most Thomas Leg Splints with Pearson attachments have strap clamps located on the side of
the splint. If the strap clamps are not present tie the traction cord directly to the frame of the splint.
h. Wrap the opposite end of the traction cord through the strap clamp on the distal end of the
Thomas Leg splint.
i. Loop the traction cord around the strap clamp on the distal end of the Pearson attachment
maintaining the 12-18 inch distance and secure with a double knot.
NOTE: The padding should spaced equally to support the lower leg and thigh. The half ring must also
be padded.
j. Apply padding (lamb wool) to the Thomas Leg splint and Pearson attachment and secure
with strap clamps.
k. Place Thomas Leg Splint with Pearson attachment on work cart/station for later use.
21. Apply skin adherent to injured leg.
Note: Use tincture of benzoin/mastisol adhesive in conjunction with adhesive/non adhesive vent foam
strap.
a. Ask patient if they have ever had a skin rash after the use of benzoin or after eating shell
fish.
NOTE: If patient is unable to answer, ask family member. If family member is not present use a
substitute application(e.g. mastisol).
b. If no known allergies exists apply tincture of benzoin/mastisol to the medial/lateral aspect of
the injured leg beginning one inch distal to the fibula notch/head and ending at the
malleolus(ankle)
c. If known allergies apply mastisol as in step 21 b.
22. If using vent foam strap go to step 24.

23. If using Buck's traction boot go to step 25.
24. Secure vent foam strap with spreader block to injured leg.
a. Place vent foam strap beginning one inch proximal to the fibular notch/head, down the
medial side of the injured leg continuing around the heel and ending on the lateral side of the
injured leg opposite the start.
NOTE: Product availability and patient's leg size will determine whether the adhesive vent foam strap
or the Buck's boot is used.
b. Fold down and hold excess ends of the vent foam strap while continuing to wrap the elastic
bandage until the vent foam strap is completely covered.
NOTE: Depending on the size of the patient's leg a second elastic bandage may be necessary to
completely cover the vent foam strap.
c. Secure elastic bandage with clips.
d. Slide spreader block between the vent foam strap
e. Tape down the elastic bandage in between the clips.
f. Remove the clips and dispose in trash receptacle.
25. Open and slide Buck's traction boot under injured leg one inch distal to the fibular notch and
secure with straps.
CAUTION: When applying Buck's traction boot, assistance may be needed to lift leg and prevent
further injury to the patient.

26. Prepare traction cord .
a. Remove 30 feet of traction cord from the spool.
b. Cut traction cord in (3) 10 foot increments.
27. Position Thomas Leg Splint with Pearson attachment under patient's injured leg.
NOTE: Nursing personnel may be needed to assist with patient and splint positioning.
a. Lift leg up and move splint under the leg with the ischial ring resting loosely against the
ischial tuberosity.

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