What is the primary purpose of a traction splint?

The primary purpose of a traction splint is to immobilize and align fractured limbs to prevent further injury and to promote proper healing. When a limb is fractured, especially in cases of long bone fractures, the bones may be misaligned or displaced. A traction splint applies a steady pulling force that helps to align the bones back to their proper anatomical position while immobilizing the limb to prevent movement that could worsen the injury. This alignment is crucial, as it helps to reduce pain, minimizes muscle spasm, and can prevent potential complications such as blood vessel or nerve damage.

In comparison, stabilizing fractures by holding limbs together may occur, but the main feature of a traction splint is that it actively works to maintain alignment through the application of traction. Supporting the back during transport is unrelated to the specific function of a traction splint, and while optimizing blood flow is important in injury management, the traction splint does not primarily serve this function. Thus, the key role of immobilization and alignment underscores why the first choice accurately reflects the main purpose of a traction splint.