The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
046.2008.1
Thomas Splint
29/03/2008
Mick Tighe
29/03/2008
Single Leg Iron Traction Splint. Hollow iron tubing, fabric and foam padding with canvas support. Black in colour. Beige padding.
Iron, fabric, foam, canvas.
112cm (L) x 35cm (W)
1
None
Black, beige padding
Unknown
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 this 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.
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.
29/03/2008
28/04/2009
Bohuntin
Bohuntin
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
28/04/2009