Traction

Traction

 Traction is an
application of a
longitudinal force
to move
dislocated bone
to a normal place
Purpose of traction

 To regain normal length and alignment of involved bone.

 To reduce and immobilize a fracture bone
 To relieve or eliminate muscle spasm.
 To relieve pressure on nerves.
 To prevent or reduce skeletal deformities or muscle contractures.
Indications
 Muscle spasm
 Certain degenerative disk diseases
 Herniated or protruding disks
 Nerve root compression
 Facet joint pathology
 Osteoarthritis
 Capsulitis of vertebral joints
 Anterior/posterior longitudinal ligament
pathology
Contraindications
 Unstable spine
 Diseases affecting vertebra or spinal cord,
including cancer & meningitis
 Vertebral fractures
 Extruded disk fragmentation
 Spinal cord compression
 Conditions in which flex. &/or ext. are
contraindicated
 Osteoporosis
Types of Traction :
1. Skin traction
2. Skeletal traction
SKIN TRACTION
Skin traction uses a wide bandage
glued to the skin and reinforced with
elastic verban. The maximum weight
that can be given is 5 kg with the skin
tolerance limit.
Skin traction on upper
extremity
 Dunlop’s skin traction.

Indication :
Used on humeral
supracondillary
fracture
accompanied by
swelling for several
days until the
swelling subsides.
Skin traction on lower
extremity
a. Skin Traction Buck's Extension
Buck Traction is
balanced skin traction by
using force in one place
against the lower
extremity through
expansion of the skin.
The patient is positioned
in the supine position
with the legs straight in
a natural position, where
neglect is abducted.
b. Hamilton-Russell Traction
- Can be used for
broken long bones or
femurs, especially for
children weighing
around 20-30 kg
-Can be used with the
installation of skin
traction
 Gallows Traction
Indication :
- This traction is
used in infants and
children with
femoral fractures
-Children weight
must be less than
12
SKELETAL TRACTION
 Skeletal Traction is used to straighten
injured bones and long joints to
maintain traction.
 It may be used as a means of
reducing or maintaining the reduction
of a fracture
 It should be reserved for those cases
in which skin traction is
contraindicated
Skeletal traction on upper
extremity
Skeletal traction on
lower extremity
 Charnley
Useful for the
use of traction
in the lower
extremity, and
highly
recommended
use.
 Balanced- Suspension

Application traction
directly on the tibia
or femur through a
pin or wire
 Fixed Skeletal Traction
Used for femoral fractures while waiting for
a fixed therapeutic action, in the form of
internal fixation or for transport to a
referral hospital which is located some
distance away.