TRACTION – The act of pulling and drawing associated with counter traction.

It is used for
straightening broken bones or relieving pressure on the spine and skeletal system.

Purposes:

 To regain normal length and alignment of involved bone.

 To reduce and immobilize a fractured bone.

 To lessen or eliminate pain and muscle spasms.

 To relieve pressure on nerves, especially spinal.

 To prevent or reduce skeletal deformities or muscle contractures.

Classification:

I. Manual Traction – A pulling force applied by the hands of the operator

II. Skeletal Traction – A pulling force applied directly to the bones using wires, pins and tongs.
III. Skin Traction – A pulling force applied to the skin, transmitted to the muscles, then to the
bones.