Sager Emergency Traction Splints have been anatomically and medically engineered to provide superior countertraction and alignment. Sager Splints provide countertraction using the same form of mechanism as that seen in Hospital Operating Rooms. Orthopedic Operation tables have a central cushioned slightly “L” shaped part that provides countertraction against the Ischial Tuberosity medial to the shaft of the Femur. This positioning allows the operating Orthopedic Surgeon to reduce and pin a fractured femur without adverse pressure against the Femoral shaft. Sager Splints duplicate this by way of their multi-patented Articulating Base and Ischial Perineal Cushion and straight in-line traction.

Skeletal relationship between the Pelvis and the Femur in the AP position. Note that the Ischial Tuberosity is half the distance from the mid-line to the Femur.

Cross table lateral XRAY in the supine position. The Ischial Tuberosity and Femur are on the same plane. Note how the Ischial Tuberosity protrudes below the shaft of the Femur no more than 1-2 cms.

Consider the anatomy of the Pelvis and Femur. In an AP view, the Ischial Tuberosity is located about half the distance from the mid-line to the Femur. In a lateral view, the Ischial Tuberosity’s lower edge is no more than 1/2” to 1” below the Shaft of the Femur. A true Thomas Full Ring or Half Ring Splint, properly sized, curves up to press against the Ischial Tuberosity medial to the Shaft of the Femur while the bottom of the ring is well below the lower edge of the Femoral Shaft. Ischial Pad splints, although often referred to as half ring splints, are not true half ring splints. Ischial Pad splints are really only a slightly dished padded bar at right angles to the Femoral Shaft of the Femur. The bars/pads are usually elevated on pedestals that can range in height from 1 3/4" to 3 1/2" high (the same adult elevations are seen in pediatric models which unfortunately, have not been resized for pediatric patients). In order to hook onto the Ischial Tuberosity and provide countertraction, these bars/pads must push up on the Femoral Shaft resulting in an undesirable malalignment of the injured Limb. This malalignment is exagerated in pediatric patients!

Conversely, Sager’s Ischial Perineal Cushion was designed to impinge on the Ischial Tuberosity medial to the Shaft of the Femur and thus provide the same action as a Thomas Full Ring Splint. By design, the Sager is anatomically and medically engineered to avoid pressure against the Proximal third of the Femur and the Sciatic Nerve.

Sager Emergency Traction Splints are the most anatomically correct traction splints available on the world market today. They apply countertraction against the Ischial Tuberosity medial to the Shaft of the Femur in a manner consistent with the original Thomas Full and Half Ring Splints. This is the same manner of traction and countertraction applied to patients in operating room theatres undergoing surgical reductions and pinning. As with surgical procedures, Sager’s application of traction avoids point pressure on the Sciatic Nerve and related vascular structures — in the critical Proximal Third of a Femoral Fracture. This same feature makes the Sager indicated for treatment in 93% of all Femoral fractures!

Ischial Perineal Cushion does not impinge on genitalia – male or female.

Sager Splints also avoid the pitfalls of rope, weight and pulley traction, as well as the hazards associated with drum and crank arrangements. They provide “gentle” quantifiable traction that is dynamic in nature. As such, the Sager’s revolutionary design permits graded reduction of the traction force as the muscle spasm decreases and the leg length increases. The “Quantifiable” feature enables First Responders (for the first time ever) to document the traction force applied — a definite plus for medical legal purposes!

Safe traction splinting is a science based on a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Sager Emergency Traction Splints are the embodiment of this science. They are constantly evolving in an attempt to bring the latest scientific advancements to the field of traction splinting. Each unique feature not only represents an increase to the comfort and safety of patients, but an advantage to the application of traction by First Responders. Sager Emergency Traction Splints… Easy on you, easy on your patient!