An orthopedic treatment that involves placing tension on a limb, bone or muscle group using variety of weight and pulley

systems

1. Decreased muscle spasm 2. Reduce, align, and immobilize fractures 3. Correct or prevent deformity 4. Increase space between joint surfaces.
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 Straight or Running traction involve straight pulling force in one plane. Balanced suspension traction involves exertion of a pull while the limb is supported by hammock or splint

 Skin traction involves weight applied and held to the skin with a Velcro splint.

Skeletal traction involves weight applied and attached to metal/pin inserted into bone

Bucks Extension Traction femur & hip fracture Overhead fracture of humerus Head halter cervical spine affection Pelvic girdle lumbosacral affection, herniated nucleus pulposus
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Dunlops Traction fractured elbow and humerus

Halo pelvic scoliosis Halo femoral severe scoliosis

Bryants traction femoral fracture, Hip injuries among kids below 3 years old
Buttocks are slightly elevated and clear off the bed.

Boot leg hip and femoral affection

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Ninety degrees fracture of the femur Stove- in chest severe chest injury with multiple rib fracture
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Hammock suspension pelvic affection

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Skin Traction
To control muscle spasm To immobilize an area before surgery

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Skeletal Traction
1. Uses wires, pins, or tongs placed through the bones 2. MOST frequently used in treating fractures of femur, humerus, tibia & cervical spine.

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Principles of Effective Traction

1. Countertraction must be maintained for effective traction 2. Patient is on firm mattress and in good body alignment in the center of the bed. 3. Line of pull must be continuous; never interrupted and in line with the long axis of the bone 4. Weights must hang freely; should NOT be removed when repositioning unless prescribed intermittently 5. Ropes must be unobstructed and aligned with pulleys 6. Knots must not touch the pulley or foot of the bed and secured tightly
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NURSING FOCUS
Weights must hang freely. Line of pull is from the first pulley back to the point on the extremity. Tie all knots securely. Skin traction is usually intermittent and skeletal traction is usually continuous.] Never release weights unless ordered
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1. Prevent complications of immobility 2. Promote skin integrity 3. Inspect for signs of skin breakdown, irritation or infection 4. Provide client teaching 5. Promote self-care within traction limitation

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Care of Client with Skeletal Traction

Maintain principles of effective traction

Watch for signs of infection especially around the pin site

Check neurovascular status regularly especially immediately after application of traction. Assess sensorimotor function. Observe for pressure at traction
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Avoiding infection at PIN SITE

The pin should be immobile in the bone and skin wound should be dry Small amount of serous discharge oozing from pin site may occur If infection is suspected, percuss gently over the tibia (+) pain if infection is developing Assess for other signs of infection: heat, redness, fever. Clean pin tract with sterile applicators and prescribed solutions to prevent plugging at the pin site.
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Bucks extension simplest form and provides for straight pull on the affected extremity relieve muscle spasm immobilize a limb temporarily Heel is supported off bed to prevent pressure on heel, weight hangs free of the bed, and foot is well away from footboard of bed, and parallel to the bed.

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Russel traction - permits the patient to move freely in the bed - permits flexion of the knee joint. used in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur when surgery is contraindicated
Hip is slightly flexed. Pillows may be used under lower leg to provide support and keep the heel free of the bed.
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Russells Traction

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Nursing Intervention of Patients with Traction

Monitor color, motion, and sensation of the affected extremity Monitor the insertion sites for redness, swelling, or drainage Patient education Maintaining the traction Skin care Assist in toileting
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