The Sager splint is nationally accepted as a wonderful tool in the medical field. It’s used primarily for tibia and fibula fractures.
To begin, the Sager splint needs to be sized properly to fit the leg. To do this, use the opposite leg and adjust the splint in order to fit the leg from the groin to just below the heel. When it’s properly measured, place the splint between the patient’s legs and ask the patient, if possible, to pull the cushion into the groin. The traction handle should be pointed toward the injury, not away from it.
When the splint is in position, do up the thigh strap around the fractured limb. To do this slide the strap under the patient’s thigh, using natural hollows. When the strap is through the clip, add some padding beneath the clip for comfort before pulling to tighten and secure.
After the thigh strap is secured go down to the ankle and check for a dorsalis pedis pulse at the top of the foot because of all the movement that has been going on. If a pulse is still present, apply the ankle strap so the strap is positioned above the patient’s ankle. If necessary, use available pads attached to the strap to make it fit snugly. When both straps on the splint are secured, apply the desired amount of traction using the traction wheel. To do this, grasp the traction handle in one hand, and pull the inner shaft gently and slowly. Keep a close eye on the traction scale. Remember that too little is better than too much. If your patient finds the traction to be too uncomfortable, let it off.
After applying traction, recheck the dorsalis pedis pulse. If it’s still there, it’s safe to move onto the next step.
To further secure the Sager splint to the patient’s fractured leg, use the black elastic leg straps. Position one around the thigh, and two below the knee of the fractured leg. Make sure these are snug, but not uncomfortable to the patient. When applying these straps, make sure to use the patient’s natural hollows so the leg doesn’t move around as much. Also apply the straps from the stable end of the leg to the unstable end. If the fracture is below the knee, apply the straps at the thigh first, and proceed down.
Next, apply the longer orange elastic straps to secure both legs together. Again, use the natural hollows, and apply them stable to unstable. Don’t move the injured leg. Instead, gently hold the injured leg while pulling the uninjured leg against the splint. When this is done the straps can be done up. Use three straps for this as well. One at the thigh, and two below the knee.
When the straps are applied and secure, and the patient is not uncomfortable with their application, check for a dorsalis pedis pulse. If it’s there, then the patient is ready for transport.
It’s important to apply the Sager splint properly. Any loose straps could allow the injured leg to move around, thus causing more trauma to the injury, and more discomfort to the patient. The correct amount of traction is also very important. For a closed fracture, the correct amount of traction is up to 10% of the patient’s body weight. For an open fracture, it’s 5%.
The Sager splint has, like many things, various versions, though most of them require the same sort of application. It’s quite straight forward, and that is what makes it one of the most widely used splints in the world today. Not only is it straight forward, but it’s also incredibly effective. This splint will be around for a long period of time, continuing to save limbs and lives all over the world.