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The treatment of both open and closed femur fractures typically involves stabilization to prevent further injury and facilitate healing. A traction splint is specifically designed to immobilize the fracture site and align the bones properly. It works by exerting a pulling force along the length of the leg, which helps to minimize movement at the fracture site, reducing pain and the risk of complications such as further injury to surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

Using a traction splint is particularly critical in the case of femur fractures because these injuries can lead to significant blood loss and instability, given the femur's size and proximity to major blood vessels. The traction provided by the splint ensures that both the fractured bone fragments are aligned and that muscle spasms around the fracture are relieved, which is essential for patient comfort and successful treatment outcomes.

In contrast, while a rigid splint may be used for stabilization, it does not provide the same elongation effect that a traction splint does, which is vital for femur fractures. Plastic splints are typically not appropriate for these types of fractures, as they lack the necessary rigidity and support. Additionally, while there may be instances where no splint is deemed immediately necessary, this is generally not the standard protocol for treating femur fractures,