Objects Database

Thomas Splint

Accession Number

045.2008.1

Object Name

Thomas Splint

Created

29/03/2008

Creator

Mick Tighe

Accession Date

29/03/2008

Brief Description

Double Leg Iron Traction Splint. Iron construction, leather padding and cord support strap. Black in colour.

Materials

Iron, Leather, Cord

Dimensions

105cm (L) x 43cm (W)

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

None

Colour

Black

Maker

Unknown

Provenance

Huw Owen Thomas(1834-1891) was descended from a long line of Welsh bone setters and amongst many other achievements in a glittering orthopaedic career he invented the Thomas Splint.

It consists of a proximal ring that fits around the upper leg and to which two long rigid slender steel rods are attached. These extend down to the smaller ring distal to the foot. This splint has proved of especial value in the treatment of fractured femur and greatly reduced the mortality from this condition. Originally developed to treat hip-joint disease, it is now used mainly to place traction on the leg in its long axis.
Used extensively on the battlefields of WW1 and WW11 his splint came into use almost universally with mountain rescue teams across the UK in the 1950's,60's and 70's. This particular one was used by Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team for many years and must have supported plenty of legs.

This particular, two leg version of the Thomas Splint has the usual hallmarks of metal and leather and the wee slot at the bottom was presumably for attaching to a stretcher of some sort. It could date back to WW1 when, sadly, two broken legs were often the grim reality of battle. Lochaber Mountain rescue Team acquired this one back in the mists of time, probably as ex military stock, and it has now found its way into our collection.

Rather confusingly we have another item in our collection of a similar ilk, and created by a man called Thomas, in this case Eustace. The Thomas stretcher (item 646) comes from a different era(1930's) and Eustace was born about the time Huw Owan died. We do wonder if there is a possible family connection.

Acquisition Date

29/03/2008

Condition Check Date

28/04/2009

Normal Location

Bohuntin

Current Location

Bohuntin

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

28/04/2009

Go Back

Related Items

Thomas Splint