TRACTION
APPLICATION
NAME:NORSHAHIDAH BT ZAINAL
MATRIX NUMBER:SD201704-01-002565
SUBJECT:ORTHOPAEDIC
DEFINITION TRACTION
Traction refers to the practice of slowly and gently pulling on a fractured or dislocated
body part. It’s often done using ropes, pulleys, and weights. These tools help apply force
to the tissues surrounding the damaged area.
The purpose of traction is to guide the body part back into place and hold it steady.
Traction may be used to:
1. stabilize and realign bone fractures, such as a broken arm or leg
2. help reduce the pain of a fracture before surgery
3. treat bone deformities caused by certain conditions, such as scoliosis
4. correct stiff and constricted muscles, joints, tendons, or skin
5. stretch the neck and prevent painful muscle spasms
TYPES OF TRACTION
1)SKIN TRACTION
Skin traction is far less invasive than skeletal traction. It involves applying splints,
bandages, or adhesive tapes to the skin directly below the fracture. Once the material has
been applied, weights are fastened to it. The affected body part is then pulled into the
right position using a pulley system attached to the hospital bed.
Skin traction is used when the soft tissues, such as the muscles and tendons, need to be
repaired. Less force is applied during skin traction to avoid irritating or damaging the skin
and other soft tissues. Skin traction is rarely the only treatment needed. Instead, it’s
usually used as a temporary way to stabilize a broken bone until the definitive surgery is
performed.
Prevention and Treatment of Complications of Skin Traction
Skin trauma can be avoided by careful inspection. A rash, abrasion, or open wound is a
contraindication to skin attachment.
The skin must be cleansed thoroughly with soap and water before the straps are applied.
The elastic bandages must be wrapped evenly with gentle, equal pressure exerted with every
turn around the extremity. The bandages should be removed and rewrapped daily and adjusted
frequently.
During the daily adjustments, the skin should be reinspected for signs of skin breakdown.
Areas of bony or soft tissue prominences should be elevated or padded. Special attention
should be paid to these areas during the daily skin inspection.
No more than 5 kg of weight should be applied to a skin attachment setup, and the period in
traction should be no more than 3 months.
Bony prominences, such as the head of the fibula and the olecranon, must be well padded.
Daily monitoring of motor and sensory function in the extremity is essential.
If removal of the elastic bandage does not relieve the compartment syndrome, fasciotomy
may be indicated to cut the fascia of muscle compartments.
Frequent inspection and adjustment of the set up may prevent mechanical failure.Lateral
rotationcan be prevented by the use of pillows or padded sandbags to maintain the extremity
in neutral position
Patients who are disoriented or young children who will not keep still must be considered
candidates for other forms of immobilization
2)SKELETAL TRACTION
RISK OF TRACTION
an adverse reaction to the anesthesia
excessive bleeding
an infection of the pin site
damage to the surrounding tissue
nerve injury or vascular injury from too much weight being applied
