Step 1
Position
Position the Sager®
SX
404
between the patient’s legs, resting the ischial
perineal cushion (the saddle) against the ischial tuberosity, with the shortest end of
the articulating base towards the ground. In the case of a unilateral fracture, the splint
should be placed in the perineum on the side of the injury. In bilateral fractures, excluding pelvic
trauma, the side with the greatest degree of injury should be the side of placement. Apply the
abductor bridle (thigh strap) around the upper thigh of the fractured limb. Push the ischial
perineal cushion gently down while at the same time pulling the thigh strap laterally under
the patient’s thigh. This will seat the lower end of the cushion comfortably against the
ischial tuberosity. Tighten the thigh strap lightly. Lift the spring clip to extend the inner
shaft on the
SX
404
until the crossbar rests adjacent to the patient’s heels.
Step 2
Set
Note the absence or presence of distal pulses, check for sensation. Position the malleolar harness
(ankle harness) beneath the heel(s) and just above the ankle(s). Fold down the number of comfort
cushions needed to engage the ankle above the medial and lateral malleoli. Using the
attached hook and loop straps wrap the ankle harness around the ankle to secure snugly. Pull
control tabs to engage the ankle harness tightly against the crossbar. Apply
Quantifiable
Dynamic Traction™
. Grasp the padded shaft of the
SX
404
with one hand and the red traction
handle with the other; gently extend the inner shaft until the desired amount of traction is
recorded on the traction scale. It is suggested to use 10% of the patient’s body weight per
fractured femur up to 7kg (15 pounds) for each leg. If bilateral fractures are present – the
maximum amount would be 14kg (30 pounds). At the hollow of the knees, gently slide the large
tensor cravat through and sizzer it upwards to the thigh, repeating with the smaller cravats
to minimize lower and mid-limb movement.
Step 3
Secure
Adjust the abductor bridle (thigh strap) at the upper thigh making sure it is not too tight, but
snug and secure, then firmly secure the tensor cravats. Apply the pedal pinion (figure 8
strap) around the feet to prevent rotation. Note the absence or presence of distal pulses, check
for sensation. Patient is now ready for transport.
Warning:
All Operators should receive full and proper initial/refresher instruction sessions from
a qualified person on detailed use of this equipment and regarding the particular situations
in which it should be used.
(PowerPoint #9, 11)
Training application sheet #2:
For model
SX
404
Traction Splint.
18
Sager® Emergency Traction Splints and the Minto Fracture Kit
