= AN ACT OF PULLING OR DRAWING WHICH

IS ASSOCIATED WITH A COUNTERTRACTION

TRACTION MEANS THAT A PULLING FORCE IS

APPLIED TO A PART OF THE BODY OR AN
EXTREMITY WHILE A COUNTERTRACTION
PULLS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION
Purposes
>Relieve pain
>Relieve muscle spasm
>Prevent and correct deformity
>Reduce, align or immobilize fracture
>Increase space between opposing surfaces
 Mechanisms of Traction

Vector of Force – Lines of pull that counteracts the other.

Resultant line of pull- Resultant pulling force between the two lines of pull.

3
 Principles
Avoid friction.
Countertraction must be used to achieve effective traction.
Traction must be continuous to be effective in reducing and immobilizing fractures.
 Skeletal traction is never interrupted.
 Weights are not removed unless intermittent traction is prescribed.
The line of pull should be in line with the deformity
Any factor that might reduce the effective pull or alter its resultant line of pull must be
eliminated:
The patient must be in good body alignment in the center of the bed when traction is
applied. (Supine)
Ropes must be unobstructed.
Weights must hang freely and not rest on the bed or floor.
Knots in the rope or the footplate must not touch the pulley or the foot of the bed.
 3 MAIN TYPES of TRACTION:

1. Skeletal traction
-is performed when more pulling force is needed , it uses weights of 25-40 pounds
-requires the placement of tongs, pins, or screws into the bone so that the weight is applied
directly to the bone
-an invasive procedure that is done in an OR under GA, RA or LA
Potential complication:
Pressure ulcer
Pneumonia
Constipation
Anorexia
Urinary stasis and infection
Venous stasis with DVT
Nursing Interventions:
Maintaining Effective Traction.
Maintaining Positioning.
Preventing Skin breakdown.
Monitoring Neurological Status.
Providing Pin Site Care.
2. Skin traction
-used if traction is temporary, or if only a light or discontinuous force is needed; uses 5-7 pounds
weights attached to the skin to indirectly apply the necessary pulling force on the bone
-weights are attached either through adhesive or nonadhesive tape, or with straps, boots, or
cuffs.
-is not invasive; it is usually performed in a hospital bed/ bedside
Complication of skin traction:
Skin breakdown
Nerve pressure
Circulatory impairment
Nursing Intervention:
Ensuring Effective Traction
Monitoring and Managing potential Complication
3. Manual traction
- used if traction is done by a healthcare personnel / operator
- to provide a very specific and controlled distraction force to extremity or joint
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKELETAL TRACTION
1. CERVICAL SKELETAL TRACTION

A. Gardner-Wells tongs are commonly used today because they are considered less likely to pull out of place than
are Crutchfield tongs.
Holes are drilled into the sides of the skull, and the tongs are inserted into these holes .
Traction is applied to the tongs to stabilize the cervical spinal cord. The client stays in bed and must remain
immobile until the injury heals, surgery is performed, or a B. Halo device is applied, up until discharge.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKELETAL TRACTION
2. FEMORAL TRACTION
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKELETAL TRACTION
3.

fx

fx

fx
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKELETAL TRACTION
4.
The great saphenous vein is the longest vein in the body that
originates near medial malleolus and goes up to the level of groin
skin crease.
The other sapahenous vein is called small or short saphenous
vein or lesser saphenous vein. It begins at the lateral aspect of
the ankle and runs up the posterolateral lower leg to join the
popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKELETAL TRACTION
5.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
1.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
2.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
3.

The infant’s hips

should be off
the bed
approximately
15° in Bryant’s
traction.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
4.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
5.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
SKIN TRACTION
5.
Parts of Balkan Frame/
Orthopedic Bed:

4 vertical Bars
2 horizontal bars
3 Cross Bars
Pulleys
Hanging trapeze
Firm matress
Fracture Board
Nursing Process:
The Patient in Traction
Assessment:
evaluate the body part to be placed in
traction and neurovascular status (ie, color,
temperature, capillary refill, edema, pulses,
ability to move, and sensation) and
compare it to the unaffected extremity.
 Diagnosis:
Deficient knowledge related to the treatment regimen
Anxiety related to health status and the traction device
Acute pain related to musculoskeletal disorder
Self-care deficit: feeding, bathing/hygiene,
dressing/grooming, and/or toileting related to traction
Impaired physical mobility related to musculoskeletal
disorder and traction
Planning and Goals:
The major goals for the patient in traction may
include understanding of the treatment regimen,
reduced anxiety, maximum comfort, maximum level
of self-care, maximum mobility within the
therapeutic limits of traction, and absence of
complications
 Nursing Intervention:
Promoting understanding of treatment regimen:
Reducing Anxiety.
Achieve a maximum level of comfort.
Achieving Maximum self care.
Attaining maximum Mobility with traction.
Monitoring and managing potential complication.
Evaluation:
Demonstrates knowledge of traction regimen
Exhibits reduced anxiety
States increased level of comfort
Performs self-care activities
Demonstrates increased mobility
Experiences no complications
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXWFtjELdP0&t=231s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUBIvWf-Udc