Leg Fracture Manual Stabilization

It is vitally important that CSM has been checked before manual stabilization of a fracture site. This allows for prehospital rescuers to assess whether or not they are providing effective care to the patient or if their efforts need to be terminated because they are potentially detrimental. Stabilization is different than traction; traction aims to use gentle, continuous force along the long axis of the fractured bone to shift its pieces into a more normal alignment while stabilization aims to prevent movement of the fractured pieces. When applying a Hare traction splint, traction may be used prior to pulling traction with the splint winch but with a Sager, only stabilization is used prehospitally.

To stabilize a fracture site, place hands in the anterior and posterior positions and apply gentle but firm pressure to the tissue. Attempt to move the limb into an anatomical position if necessary. Avoid jostling the extremity as it is almost impossible to fully stop any movement of the fractured bones.