A small trial of the nursing care of patients immobilised with a Thomas splint

Abstract Thomas splints are often used to immobilise patients who have a fractured femur. Skin ulceration may occur in the area under and around a Thomas splint causing considerable discomfort to the patient. The aim of this study was to identify factors that may affect the occurrence of ulceration in patients immobilised with a Thomas splint and specifically to investigate different frequencies of pressure care in preventing skin changes associated with ulceration. The effects of other factors including the patient's weight, leg circumference, type of fracture, traction ring size and traction weight on the incidence of skin changes were also investigated. Data were collected from 33 children in three different hospitals. Results suggest that the duration between pressure care may be reduced from 2 to 6 h (possibly 4 h). Thus reducing the risks associated with movement of the fractured leg.