Kendrick Traction Device

Kendrick Traction Device (KTD)

This is an emergency device primarily used for temporary traction (pulling to align) at the scene for injuries such as femur fractures (thigh bone fractures).
In English, it is called the Kendrick Traction Device or KTD.

Basic Overview
• Developer: Randy Kendrick (Paramedic)
• Primary Use: To reduce muscle contraction, pain, and bleeding caused by femur fractures by applying traction to the leg, thereby reducing bone end overlap.
• Usage Location: Used for first aid before hospital transport in emergency scenes, ambulances, mountain/disaster sites, etc.

Structure and Features
Compared to traditional long and heavy traction devices (e.g., Sargent Traction Splint), the Kendrick Traction Device is characterized by being extremely lightweight, compact, and quick to assemble.

The main components are as follows:
1. Femur fixation belt
2. Ankle fixation strap
3. Telescopic aluminum rod (traction bar)
4. Tension adjustment strap or handle
5. Storage case (compact size)

Principle
In femur fractures, muscles contract strongly, causing bone ends to overlap, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding.
The traction device applies a pulling force to the ankle, transmitting it towards the pelvis to align the bone and relax muscle tension, achieving effects such as:
• Pain reduction
• Hemorrhage control
• Maintenance of peripheral blood flow
• Safe patient transport

Usage Procedure (Overview)
1. Maintain the leg's axis while immobilizing the fracture site.
2. Apply the pelvic belt.
3. Secure the strap to the ankle.
4. Extend the traction bar to match the leg length.
5. Apply appropriate traction by pulling the strap.
6. After fixation, stabilize the entire leg for transport.
(※Actual use is limited to trained individuals such as medical professionals and paramedics.)

Distinguishing Features
• Compact and can be stored in a backpack size.
• For single leg use (not for both legs).
• Can be used in confined spaces, such as during helicopter rescues or mountain rescues.
• Lighter than comparable products from other manufacturers, such as Sager Traction Splint and Hare Traction Splint.

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