Video narration
That painful, swollen fractured limb exposes the problem: recognising Buck's traction or a Thomas splint is not enough. Know what it needs and how to keep it safe. Traction applies controlled pull for alignment or comfort; splinting immobilises while allowing swelling, unlike a circumferential cast. Key: pull when needed; splint for protection. Skin traction, such as Buck's traction, transmits force through adhesive or padding and is temporary. Skeletal traction transmits force through a pin or wire fixed to bone, requiring trained application and pin-site care. Thomas splint supports temporary lower-limb stabilisation and transport. For acute injuries, a posterior slab accommodates swelling; U-shaped and sugar-tong slabs add control for selected ankle, leg or forearm injuries. Application is not the finish. Check alignment, padding, and distal circulation, sensation and motor function-then repeat. Choose purpose first: controlled pull or protected immobilisation as swelling evolves. Select the device and reassess.