TRACTIONS IN ORTHOPEDICS

TRACTION

OBJECTIVES :

1. Reduction of fractures and dislocations

2. Immobilising painful joints

3. Prevention of deformity

4. Corrections of soft tissue contractures

TYPES :

1. Fixed traction : counter traction is provided by a part of the body. Eg. Thomas splint.

2. Sliding traction : weight of the body acts as counter traction. Eg. Traction for pelvic fracture.

METHODS OF APPLYING TRACTION :

1. Skin traction : adhesive strap is applied on the skin and traction is applied. The traction force transmits to the fascia and muscles.

2. Skeletal traction : traction is applied directly on bone by inserting a k- wire or steinmann pin through the bone.

CARE OF PATIENT IN TRACTION :

1. Traction should be as confortable as possible.

2. Propper functioning of the traction unit must be ensured.

3. One must see the terminal partof the limb in traction which should be warm and normal in colour and with normal sensations.

4. Any swelling in the fingers point towards a tight traction.

5. A pin tract infection can be deteted by inserting a pin and getting tapping in the skeletal traction.

6. Proper positioning of fracture must be ensured with x-rays.

7. Physiotherapy of muscles must be continued to decrease muscle wasting.

8. Diversion therapy is must for patients confined to bed for a long period of time.