Traction

It is the act of pulling and drawing which is associated with counter traction.
Purposes of traction
1.To reduce fracture
2. To reduce pain and muscle spasm
3. To provide immobilization
4. To maintain good body alignment
5. For support
6. To prevent further deformity or correct
deformity
Basic types of tractions
1. Skin traction
- is the application of a pulling force to the skin from where it is
transmitted to the muscles and then to the bones by the use of:
a. Adhesive type material
Bryants Traction
femoral fractures, Hip
injuries among kids
below 3 years old.
Dunlops Traction
supracondylar fracture of the humerus
Buck's Extension femur and hip affection
Overhead Traction a combination of Dunlops traction and Bucks
Extension traction. Supracondylar fracture of the humerus
Zero Degree Traction - affection of the neck of the humerus
Foam Traction a modified Buck Extension Traction.
Instead of using a bandage, a foam was used.
b. Non-adhesive type materials like: canvas, slings leathers and straps
with buckles and laces.
Head halter traction cervical spine affection
Pelvic Girdle Traction lumbo-sacracl affection, Herniated Nucleus
Purposus
Cotrel Traction indicated for scoliosis.
Hammock Suspension
Traction pelvic
affection
2. Skeletal traction - the pulling force is applied directly to the bone
using pins and wires such as Kirshner's wire, Stainman's pin, Vinki's
skull retractor and crutch field tongs.
Basic types of tractions
Halo Pelvic Traction - scoliosis
Halo Femoral Traction
severe scoliosis
90 Degrees Traction
Fracture of the femur
Stove-In-Chest Traction
Severe chest injury with multiple
rib fracture.
3. Manual traction - the pulling force is applied by the hands of the
operator. It is a temporary measure sometimes employed in handling
neck injury when a cervical spine is fractured. It is also used to apply the
necessary pull to an extremity when cast is being applied.
Basic types of tractions
4. Special type of Tractions
Boot Leg Cast Traction Hip
and Femural affection
Russel Traction affection
of the femur
Bohler Braun Traction
Proximal 3rd of the Tibia
BALANCED SKELETAL TRACTION
PREPARATION PHASE:
1.Check for the physician's order.
2. Inform and explain the purpose
and procedure to the patient - for
easy installation and cooperation
during the procedure.
3. Assemble all equipments.
PREPARE TRACTION EQUIPMENTS
1.Orthopedic Bed
2. Thomas Splint with Pearson
attachment.
3. Rest splint
4. Slings of variable sizes
5. Paper clips or safety pins
6. Cord Sash - different length
Short - for the thigh
Long - for the traction
longest - for the suspension
7. Weight's and Bags
Suspension weight - is 1/2 lighter
than the weight of the traction.
Traction weight approximately
10% to of the patients body weight
8. Foot rest - to prevent foot drop
NURSING CARE OF PATIENTS WITH TRACTION
1. Assessment - assess the patient as to level of understanding, consciousness.
2. Provision of general comfort;
a. skin care - head to toe, focus on the sponging of the affected extremity
b. Changing of linen.

c. Provide bedpan as needed. Serve bedpan on the unaffected side,
provide pillow at the back and provide privacy.
d. Perineal care.
3. Potential complication:
a. Upper respiratory - PNEUMONIA - bronchial taping and deep breathing .
b. Bedsore -good perineal. care, proper skin care, turning left buttocks
once in a while.
c. Urinary and kidney problem - good perineal care, increase fluid intake.
d. Bowel complications fear of apparatus, no privacy, lack of fluids,
perineal care.
e. Pin site infection - observe for S/S of infection, loosening pin tract,
pus coming out, foul smelling, fever.
f. Deformity - contracted knee, atrophy of muscles, foot drop, joint
contractures.
4. Provision of Exercises
a. ROM exercises with the use of trapeze.
b. Deep breathing exercises
c. Static quadriceps exercises, alternate contractions & relaxation of
quadriceps muscles
d. Toes pedal exercises
5. Nutritional Status - depending on the status of patient.
6. Psychological Aspect - fear of unknown, fear of death, fear of the
apparatus, fear of losing job financial fear.
7. Provision of supportive therapy: Offer book to read; something to listen
radio or T.V., discover interest.
8. Spiritual Aspect - Know his religion, encourage relatives to give
spiritual, communication, visiting chaplain.
9. Diversional activities - divert attention.
BRACES
An orthosis or orthopedic appliance that supports or holds in correct
position any movable part of the body and that allows motion of the part, in
contrast to a splint, which prevents motion of the part.
scoliosis
Cervico-Thoraco-
Lumbar Affection of the spine
upper thoracic Lower thoracic
Lumbo sacral
Cervical Affection
Wrist-drop
Peripheral Nerve Injury
Fracture of the finger
Clubfoot
Polio, one leg affection
Polio
Scoliosis
Cervical Affection