What are traction splints primarily used to treat?

Traction splints are primarily utilized for the treatment of fractures of the femur or thighbone. This is because these fractures often require realignment and stabilization to ensure proper healing and to alleviate pain. The design of a traction splint allows for the application of pulling force, which helps to maintain alignment of the broken bone by gently extending the limb. This is particularly important with femur fractures, as they can lead to significant bleeding and instability if not properly managed.

Other fractures, such as those of the wrist, do not typically require the same approach, as they involve smaller bones and can be immobilized effectively with simpler splinting techniques. Similarly, sprains of the knee and twisted ankles are managed with different types of support and do not benefit from the specific traction characteristics that traction splints provide. Therefore, the key purpose of traction splints aligns directly with the treatment of femur fractures.