How does orthopedic traction work

Updated January The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Skin traction. Skin traction Introduction Aim Definition of terms Management Special Considerations Potential Complications Companion Documents References Evidence Table Introduction Femoral fractures are often managed using skin traction prior to their definitive surgical management.

Aim This clinical practice guideline aims to ensure that the application and management of skin traction is consistent and that potential complications are identified early and managed correctly. Definition of terms Fracture: Any type of break in a bone. Traction: Traction is the application of a pulling force to an injured part of the body or extremity. Neurovascular observations : Is an assessment of circulation, oxygenation and nerve function of limbs within the body.

Compartment syndrome : Increased pressure within one of the bodies compartments which contain muscles and nerves. Management Acute management Ensure Order for Skin traction is documented by the Orthopaedic Team- including weight to be applied in kgs Preparation of equipment Hospital Traction bed with bar at the end of the bed Traction kit paediatric OR adult size foam stirrup with rope and bandage Overhead traction frame Pulley Traction weight bag Water Sleek Picture 1 - Traction Kit; Picture 2 - Foam stirrup with rope; Picture 3 -Traction weight bag Pain relief A femoral nerve block is the preferred pain management strategy and should be administered in the emergency department prior to being admitted to the ward.

Diazepam and Oxycodone should always be charted and used in conjunction with the femoral nerve block. Distraction and education Explain the procedure to the parents and patient before commencing. Plan appropriate distraction from play therapy, parents or other nursing staff. Application of traction Ensure the correct amount of water has been added to the traction weight bag as per medical orders.

Formula to calculate weight in kgs to come Fold foam stirrup around the heel, ankle and lower leg of affected limb. Apply bandage, starting at the ankle, up the lower leg using a figure 8 technique, secure with sleek tape. Place rope over the pulley and attach traction weight bag. If necessary trim rope to ensure traction weigh bag is suspended in air and does not sit on the floor. Picture — Foam stirrup and bandage. Encourage the patient to reposition themselves or complete pressure area care four hourly.

Friar's balsam may be used to improve adhesion. What are the two types of traction? What is Bryant's traction used for? Why is traction used? What are the types of skeletal traction? Is Buck's traction skin or skeletal? What is a 90 90 traction? Is Buck traction still used? What is fixed traction? Fixed Traction. What are the complications of traction?

Potential complications that may occur in patients in traction are:. What is surface traction? Does traction help scoliosis? Scoliosis Traction Chair. What are the complications of fractures? How much does skin traction weigh? What is balanced skeletal traction? What is product traction?

The purpose of traction is to stabilize a fracture or injury and restore tension to the surrounding tissues, muscles, and tendons. Traction can:. The kind of traction used will depend on the location and severity of the broken bone or injury and the amount of force needed.

Skeletal traction is used for fractures of the femur thighbone , pelvis, hip, and certain upper arm fractures. It involves inserting a pin or wire directly into the bone, then attaching weights through pulleys or ropes to it that control the amount of pressure applied.

Skeletal traction is used for fractures that require a high amount of force applied directly to the bone, as it allows more weight to be added with less risk of damaging the surrounding soft tissues. If you need skeletal traction, it will be done while an anesthetic so you don't experience too much pain.

Skin traction is less invasive than skeletal traction and uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes positioned on the limb near the fracture and is applied directly to the skin. Weights and pulleys are attached, and pressure is applied. When a bone breaks, the muscles and tendons can pull the extremity into a shortened or bent position.

The traction can hold the fractured bone or dislocated joint in place. This can cause painful movement at the fracture site and muscle cramping. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for femoral, hip, and acetabular fractures, which are fractures in the socket portion of the "ball-and-socket" hip joint.

Cervical traction is used when neck vertebrae are fractured. In this kind of traction, a device circles the head and attaches to a harness that's worn like a vest around the torso. The resulting stretch to the neck reduces pressure on the spine by pulling and aligning the vertebrae. Although traction was widely used for more than a century, in recent years it has been eclipsed by more state-of-the-art surgical techniques for correcting broken bones. Today, traction is used primarily as a temporary measure until surgery is performed.

There are no long-term risks associated with traction. But some people may experience muscle spasms or pain in the treated area. The potential risks associated with traction include:. Elderly people are usually not good candidates for skin traction because their skin is fragile and may be injured from the traction. Traction may also be contraindicated if you have:. These should all be discussed with your healthcare provider if you are considering traction.

Both skin and skeletal traction require X rays prior to application. Your hips may feel tight due to overuse or inactivity. The ability to move your elbow is called elbow flexion, and it's key to many daily activities like feeding yourself, brushing your hair, driving, and…. If you've had a surgery or injury that makes it difficult to walk, you've probably had to use crutches. Learning how to use them properly and safely…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.

Traction may be used to: stabilize and realign bone fractures, such as a broken arm or leg help reduce the pain of a fracture before surgery treat bone deformities caused by certain conditions, such as scoliosis correct stiff and constricted muscles, joints, tendons, or skin stretch the neck and prevent painful muscle spasms.

What Are the Different Types of Traction? What Happens After Traction? What Are the Risks of Traction? Is Traction an Effective Treatment? Read this next. Spinal Traction. Cervical Traction for Neck Pain. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.