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Thomas Bed Splint with Half Ring and Adapted for Traction

Object NameSplint

MediumSteel

ClassificationsMedicine and Healthcare

Dimensions110cm

AcquisitionKenneth A Webster Nursing Collection.

LocationView by Appointment

Object numberABDMS075688

Keywords

Orthopaedic

About MeThe Thomas Splint is one of the most famous pieces of orthopaedic apparatus ever designed. It was devised by Hugh Owen Thomas in the 1860s for the treatment of tuberculosis of the knee. The splint is a simple piece of technology but its simplicity obscures the knowledge of physiology and anatomy which went into its design. The splint was so designed as to not only rest the joint but to also ensure that there was no tendency for injurious compensatory movements being transferred to other joints and muscles and that weight be distributed in such a way as not to cause pain and deformity. Thomas's theory of enforced, uninterrupted and prolonged rest proved to be very successful and the Thomas splint became a standard piece of equipment in hospitals throughout the world. Whilst originally designed for treatment of the knee it was found that it also suited treatment for fractured femur. Hence it was widely used in filed hospitals in Wolrd War 1.