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A traction splint is a rigid emergency device used to stabilize a broken thigh bone by pulling the lower leg away from a stabilized pelvis. It is a specialist piece of trauma equipment, not an everyday splint. This page is for clinic staff, first-response equipment buyers and students who need to know what the product is, what it contains and when it is not used.
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
What a traction splint is
The Merck Manual professional topic on femoral traction splints says these devices “are used to temporarily stabilize and possibly reduce femoral shaft fractures.” The splint pulls the lower leg away from a stabilized pelvis. Its purpose is temporary stabilization before definitive care, such as operative fixation (Merck Manual Professional Edition, page last updated October 2025, checked 2026-10-30).
A traction splint is different from the padded or rigid splints in a general first aid kit, which simply immobilize a limb. If you are looking for those, see what a splint is, finger splint types and what is inside a first aid kit.
Why a pulling force is used
One manufacturer’s datasheet explains the rationale: strong spasm of the thigh muscles can pull the broken bone ends past one another, which causes pain, bleeding and muscle or nerve damage. The same datasheet says its splint is most typically used for severe mid-shaft femur fractures but is also intended for fractures of other limbs (Prometheus Medical Traction Splint datasheet DTF 124_20-08, product code PDF101, checked 2026-10-30). The Merck Manual topic is specific to the femoral shaft.
How a traction splint kit is built
Commercial designs differ, so the parts below are one manufacturer’s example, not a description of every model. The Prometheus Medical Traction Splint is supplied with:
- a pole, adjustable for length;
- an ankle hitch;
- a lower leg strap;
- a lower thigh strap, fitted to the pole;
- an upper thigh strap.
The datasheet states that the straps are extendable and that the design can be fitted by a single operator without impeding access to the groin or pelvis. The Merck Manual notes the equipment as a commercially available femoral traction splint kit and says to follow the specific product’s instructions.
Specifications from one manufacturer’s datasheet
| Specification | Value stated | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Packed dimensions | 29.00 cm x 15.00 cm | Prometheus Medical datasheet DTF 124_20-08 |
| Weight | 450 g | Prometheus Medical datasheet |
| Shelf life | 5 years | Prometheus Medical datasheet |
| Magnetic property | Not ferromagnetic | Prometheus Medical datasheet |
| Operators needed | One | Prometheus Medical datasheet |
These values belong to that single product. Other traction splints will have their own dimensions, weight and shelf life, which are listed on the manufacturer’s own datasheet and instructions for use.
Who uses it
Traction splints are used by trained clinicians and responders. The Merck Manual topic is written for medical professionals, and the manufacturer’s datasheet describes a device that a single operator can fit.
When a traction splint is not used
The Merck Manual lists these contraindications to a femoral traction splint:
| Contraindication | Source |
|---|---|
| Pelvic fracture | Merck Manual Professional Edition |
| Fracture of the ankle, foot or lower leg on the same side | Merck Manual Professional Edition |
| Knee injury on the same side | Merck Manual Professional Edition |
The same source lists vascular or nerve traction injuries as a complication of the device. Whether a traction splint is suitable is a decision for trained clinicians.
Handling and storage basics
The one stated handling fact in the sources is the manufacturer’s 5-year shelf life for the datasheet product. Beyond that, follow the instructions for use supplied with the specific splint, as the Merck Manual also advises.
Common mistakes when thinking about this product
- Treating it as a general-purpose splint. It is a specialist device with listed contraindications.
- Assuming one product’s specifications apply to every model. Weight, size and shelf life vary by manufacturer.
- Treating this page as training. The application of a traction splint is a clinical skill taught under supervision, and the manufacturer’s instructions govern use of a given product.
Frequently asked questions
What is a traction splint?
The Merck Manual describes femoral traction splints as devices used to temporarily stabilize and possibly reduce femoral shaft fractures, before definitive care such as operative fixation.
Is a traction splint the same as an ordinary splint?
No. Ordinary splints immobilize a limb, while a traction splint also pulls the lower leg away from the pelvis and has listed contraindications. See what a splint is for the general category.
What does a traction splint kit contain?
For the Prometheus Medical product: a length-adjustable pole, an ankle hitch, a lower leg strap, a lower thigh strap fitted to the pole and an upper thigh strap. Other makers’ kits differ.
How long is the shelf life?
The Prometheus Medical datasheet states 5 years for that product. Check the datasheet and instructions for use of any other model.
Sources
- Merck Manual Professional Edition, “How to Apply a Femoral Traction Splint,” McCue JY; last updated October 2025. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-splint-or-immobilize-a-lower-limb/how-to-apply-a-femoral-traction-splint. Date checked: 2026-10-30.
- Prometheus Medical (Safeguard Medical), Traction Splint datasheet DTF 124_20-08 rev0, product code PDF101. https://www.meier-medizintechnik.de/media/f5/85/c6/1689731283/Prometheus-Medical-TM-Traction-Splint-TM-Datenblatt_EN.pdf. Date checked: 2026-10-30.
Related equipment: emergency, trauma and crisis response supplies.
