The function of the Thomas splint. An experimental study.
A Thomas splint of traditional design was fitted with measuring devices and examined for its hip-relieving effect during varying activities. It was shown that there is no complete weight relief of the hip joint with this orthosis. In the most favourable case, 50% of the weight can be conducted via the ischial tuberosity and therefore transferred to the ground surface bypassing the hip joint. In regard to the hip joint, the Thomas splint is a device that reduces weight but does not entirely remove it. The results proved to be practically independent of the fitting of the orthosis and of the kind of activity.
Kohn
D
D
Orthopaedic Clinic, Hannover, Medical School, Federal Republic of Germany.
Wirth
C J
CJ
John
H
H
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005684:Gait; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D013165:Splints; D016474:Weight-Bearing