1-25
Section VI. TRACTION
1-25. TRACTION
a. Traction is the act of exerting a pulling force. To be therapeutic, traction applied in one direction requires countertraction (exertion of pull in the opposite direction). Countertraction is supplied by the patient's body weight and friction against the bed. Additional countertraction may be achieved by elevating the head or foot of the bed or by application of counter traction apparatus.
b. Traction is used to:
(1) Reduce and immobilize fractures.
(2) Prevent fracture deformities.
(3) Relieve muscle spasm.
(4) Reduce pain.
(5) Help regain the normal length and alignment of an injured extremity.
c. The basic methods of applying traction are referred to as skin traction and skeletal traction.
(1) Skin traction. Adhesive material is applied to a limb or a halter is fitted to the patient's head or pelvis. The adhesive material or the halter is then attached to a traction apparatus and force is exerted by means of a pulley and weights.
(2) Skeletal traction. Force is exerted directly on the bone by tongs inserted into the skull or a pin or wire inserted through the bone at a point distal to the fracture of an extremity. The tong, pin, or wire is then attached to the traction apparatus and force is exerted by means of pulleys and weights. A greater pull can be exerted by skeletal traction than by skin traction.
d. The two basic forms of traction that may be produced are referred to as balanced suspension traction and running traction.
(1) Balanced suspension traction. Direct pull on the part is applied with the extremity supported in a splint and held in place with balanced counterweights (examples: Thomas splint with Pearson attachment). The extremity "floats" or is suspended in the traction apparatus by the balanced weights. The line of traction on the extremity remains fairly constant despite any changes in the position of the patient. This principle may be utilized in both skin and skeletal traction and may be either unilateral or bilateral.
(2) Running traction. Direct pull is applied without support of the part (example: Buck's traction). The pull is exerted in only one plane. This principle may be utilized in both skin and skeletal traction, and may be either unilateral or bilateral.
