- A dictionary of medical eponyms

Thomas's splint (Hugh Owen Thomas)

Alternative eponyms

  • Thomas’s posterior splint

Related people

A splint used in the treatment of fractured femur.

Description

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 another 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.

Bibliography

  • H. O. Thomas:
    Diseases of the hip, knee and ankle joints, with their deformities, treated by a new and efficient method.
    Liverpool, T. Dobb & Co., 1875; Enlaregd 2nd edition, 1876.

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