Traction
By: Sarah Gobbell
Traction is the process of
putting an extremity, bone,
or group of muscles under
tension by means of weights
and pulleys (pulling force) to
treat muscle and skeletal
disorders.
Traction is used to treat:
Fractures
Dislocations
Long-duration muscle spasms
Prevent or correct deformities
Skin traction
Skeletal traction
Short-term (accident scene)
Long-term ( hospital setting)
Used for temporary treatment if a
light or continuous force is needed.
Five to seven pound weights are
attached to the skin through
adhesive or non-adhesive tape,
with straps, boots, or cuffs.
Allow good circulation to the part
of the limb beyond the point where
traction is applied.
Skin Traction: Dunlop’s
Traction
Dunlop’s skin traction is applied to children with
certain upper arm fractures that need to remain
in a flexed position to prevent problems with
circulation and nerves around the elbow.
Skin Traction: Pelvic
Traction
Pelvic Traction is applied to the lower
spine with a belt around the waist
Skin Traction: Buck’s Skin
Traction
Buck’s skin traction is used to treat knee
injuries other than fractures. This kind
of traction is used to stabilize the knee
and reduce muscle spasms.
Skin Traction: Russell’s
Traction
Russell’s traction is very similar to
Buck’s, but instead they use a sling to
allow more movement in bed and allows
flexion of the knee joint.
Skin Traction: Bryant’s
Traction
Bryant’s traction is used for children
with fractured femurs. Both legs are
suspended at 90 degree angles to the
trunk of the body and the weight of
the body pulls the bone fragments of
the fractured leg into alignment.
Used when more pulling force is
needed.
Uses weights of 25-40 lbs.
Requires placement of tongs,
pins, or screws into the bone so
that the weight is applied
directly to the bone.
This is an invasive procedure
done in an operating room.
Done under local, general,
regional anesthesia.
The pins may be in place for
several months and must be kept
clean to prevent infection.
Pulleys and weights are attached
to wires to provide the proper
pull and alignment of the
affected part.
Skeletal Traction: Halo
Halo traction is used for cervical
fractures and can also be used to help
correct deformities such as kyphosis
as seen on the upper right.
Skeletal Traction: Halo
Cont’d
This pictures shows the effects of
the halo traction, before (left)
and after (right)
Skeletal Traction: Tibia Pin
Used for some
fractures of the
femur, hip, or
pelvis
Pins are surgically
inserted into the
femur and weights
are then applied in
order to correct the
problem
X-rays are done pre-op and may
be repeated during treatment to
assure a stable alignment
Blood and urine tests are done
Pt may meet with an
anesthesiologist to discuss health
conditions (if skeletal traction is
being done)
Skin Traction
Make sure the limb stays
aligned.
Make sure skin does not
become sore or irritated.
Be sure pt is alert to any
swelling or tingling due to
the limb being wrapped too
tightly.
Skeletal Traction
Traction may be continued for
several months until healing is
complete.
Deep breathing exercises are
taught.
Range-of-motion done to
unaffected parts of the body.
Pt teaching is done on how to use
a trapeze bar.
Two main risks are: traction is
applied incorrectly or the skin
becomes irritated.
Bone inflammation may occur.
Infection may occur at the pin
sites.
Because of long periods of
immobility, the pt may develop
bed sores, reduced respiratory
function, urinary or circulatory
problems.
Traction can take an emotional
toll on the pt.
