THOMAS SPLINT
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
Selecting the correct sized splint and hoop is made easier as the system is designed to be adjustable. The splint
itself comes in two sizes: adult and paediatric. The range of adjustment allows the adult size to be used for tall
paediatric patients and the paediatric splint to be used for shorter adults. There are six thigh hoop sizes that cover
the range and generally the four smallest will suit paediatrics whilst the four largest will suit adults thus giving an
overlap of the middle two sizes.
SLINGS
Sling Width
Part No.
45 cm
TSVS 1
51 cm
TSVS2
60 cm
TSVS3
1.
PATIENT MEASUREMENT:
Measure the patients uninjured limb. An inside leg length measurement is required
from the groin to the base of the heel. (Add a further 20- 30 cm to this measurement to allow for ankle plantar
flexion in the splint). An oblique thigh circumference should be taken to determine the thigh hoop size. The
thigh hoop is adjustable for swelling.
2.
SPLINT ADJUSTMENT:
Having selected the Thomas splint adjust the length to suit the inside leg
measurement ensuring that both sides are adjusted to the same length. Length increments in both inches and
centimetres are marked on the sides of the outer tubes, the small cap head screw acts as an indicator length.
Attach the hoop by inserting both rods into the splint ensuring an audible click is heard. The hoop can then be
adjusted for the right or left leg by extending one side until the desired angle is achieved.
3.
SPLINT PREPARATION:
From the traction kit select the fabric slings provided. Eight slings are provided, four
large and four medium for the adult kit. 4 small and 4 medium for the paediatric kit. Starting from the top,
drape each sling in turn over the outer tubes to form a trough, securing each on the other side with the Velcro
closure. Slings should cover the splint down to the malleoli, this allows for skin inpsection and ensures ankle
movement is not inhibited.
4.
SPLINT PREPARATION (CONTINUED):
From the traction kit select the two packs of gamgee padding. The
longest piece should be placed along the full length of the splint directly on top of the slings and trimmed to
size. The smaller piece of gamgee is to be folded into a pad and positioned to act as a fulcrum behind the knee
to encourage slight flexion.
5.
POSITIONING OF LEG SPLINT:
Having applied the skin traction, the limb can now be placed onto the
prepared splint. The hoop with cover attached should rest under the ischial tuberosity and the strap adjusted
and fastened around the thigh, the strap cover should be used to aid patient comfort. The traction cords can
now be tied off. A windlass is provided to take up the slack.
6.
SECURING LEG INTO THE SPLINT:
After the traction cords have been attached, the splint can be raised
temporarily on a pillow whilst the limb is wrapped into the splint using the crepe bandages provided. The
gamgee pad can be positioned as described in instruction 4. Following the final bandaging procedure the splint
with leg encased can be supported by any one of a number of overhead
“pulley and cord”
systems. Cord eyes,
four in total, positioned at either end of both side supports can be used for attaching the pulley cords. For extra
support the cord should be entered through the cord eye and under the rod that holds the cord eye. Special
attention should be paid to slings and padding on and around both the Achilles and heel areas in order to
guard against impending pressure sores.
Thigh Circumference
0cm
33cm
40cm
48cm
60cm
75cm
90cm
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Thigh Hoop code
TSH1
TSH2
1SH3
TSH4
IS115
TSHG
Thig Cover code
TSHC1
ISHC2
TSHC3
TSHC4
THOMAS SPLINT
Inside Leg Length
Kit
Kit without P.A.
T.S. Only
P.A. Only
45 - 65 cm
TSSP1
TSNPP
TS1
TSP1
65 - 100 cm
TSSP2
TSNPA
TS2
TSP2
PEARSON ATTACHMENT
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
Easily adjustable to a number of leg lengths, the Pearson attachment can be added to the Thomas Splint to offer
earlier mobilisation for your patient.
PEARSON KNEE FLEXION ATTACHMEN
Early mobilisation, as advised by the medical
professional, can be achived by using a Pearson knee
flexion attachment that is specifically designed for
ouse with the Thomas splint. The attachments come
in two sizes, adult and paediatric and are adjustable
to match exactly the extended format of the Thomas
splint that it is intended to be used in
conjunction with.
POSITIONING OF LEG IN PEARSON
ATTACHMENT
It is secured to the outer tube on either side of the
splint with adjustable clamps in the areas adjacent
to the knee axis. Subject to the type of traction being
used the appropriate slings and the traction system
are transferred from the Thomas splint to the
Pearson attachment. once again subject to the type
of overhead pulley system being used an adjustable
cord may be used to gradually advance the range of
permissible knee flexion and a further cord provided
to allow the patient to assist knee flexion manualy.
Locking Spindle
Locking Knob
Spring Clip
Locking Spindle
Locking Knob
Spring Clip
1
1
2
3
4
2
3
4
5
6
