Consider the anatomy of the Pelvis and Femur. In an AP view, the Ischial Tuberosity is located
about half the distance from the mid-line to the Femur. In a lateral view, the Ischial Tuberosity’s
lower edge is no more than
1
⁄
2
” to 1” below the Shaft of the Femur.
A true Thomas Full Ring or Half Ring Splint, properly sized, can reach up to press against the
Ischial Tuberosity medial to the Shaft of the Femur while the bottom of the ring is well below
the lower edge of the Femoral Shaft. Ischial Pad splints, although often referred to as half ring
splints, are not true half ring splints. Ischial Pad splints are really only a slightly dished
padded bar at right angles to the Femoral Shaft of the Femur. The bars/pads are usually elevated
on pedestals that can range in height from 1
3
⁄
4
” to 3
1
⁄
2
” high (the same adult elevations are
seen in pediatric models — sadly they have not been resized for pediatric patients). In order
to hook onto the Ischial Tuberosity and provide countertraction, these bars/pads must push
up on the Femoral Shaft resulting in a undesirable malalignment of the injured Limb. This
malalignment is exagerated in pediatric patients!
Conversely, Sager’s Ischial Perineal Cushion was designed to impinge on
the Ischial Tuberosity medial to the Shaft of the Femur and thus
provide the same action as a Thomas Full Ring Splint. By design, the
Sager® is anatomically and medically engineered to avoid pressure
against the Proximal Third of the Femur and the Sciatic Nerve.
Adult and Pediatric Ischial Pad Splints — side by side.
Note
how the ischial pads are the same height — 3
1
⁄
2
”
at the highest point and 2
1
⁄
2
” at the lowest point.
8
Sager® Emergency Traction Splints and the Minto Fracture Kit
fig 7
