Hare Traction Splint Instructions

A fractured femur is a medical emergency. As the longest and strongest bone in the body, the femur also has the largest blood supply, and a fracture can result in significant blood loss. When a fracture occurs, the large muscles that surround the femur often contract, leading to displacement of the broken ends of the bone and making the leg appear shorter. When this happens, a Hare Traction Splint, which requires two persons to apply, can be used to provide traction to realign the bone and to immobilize the leg during transport to a hospital.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the distal pulse near the heel of the injured leg. Measure the Hare Traction Splint against the patient's uninjured leg and adjust it, so it reaches from the top of the pelvis to several inches past the heel. Lock the splint securely into position and open all the straps.

• 2

  Lay the Hare next to the injured leg and position it, so the top of the splint is at the top of the pelvis, and there are two straps above and below the knee. Apply the ankle hitch by sliding the ankle strap under the patient's heel and crisscrossing the straps, so they form an "X" over the top of the foot. The three "D" rings on the ankle strap should all be together.

• 3

  Grip the patient's foot with both hands, one under the ankle at the heel and the other on top of the foot over the ankle strap. Apply manual traction by gently lifting and pulling the foot towards you. Slowly twist the foot into the correct position if it the toes are not pointing upright. Do not release traction until the Hare is fully applied.

• 4

  Lift the leg high enough that an assistant can slide the Hare into position underneath. Maintain traction of the leg while your assistant firmly positions the top of the Hare against the top of the hip bone. Gently lower the leg into the cradle of the splint (do not let go), so your assistant can secure the pubic strap high up on the thigh.

• 5

  Slide the "D" rings on the ankle strap over the hook on the traction mechanism and tighten the traction strap until the injured leg is approximately the same length as the uninjured leg.

• 6

  Secure the Hare's straps, working from the ankle to the thigh. Do not secure a strap if it is directly over the fracture site and do not secure a strap if it will not fit. Once the straps are secure, the person holding the leg for traction may gently release it.

• 7

  Check the distal pulse again to ensure the straps are not interfering with circulation. Secure the patient and the Hare to a backboard or litter, making sure the splint is supported.