Skin Traction (involves weight applied and held to the skin with a Velcro splint)

- Skin traction is prescribed for short-term use to stabilize a fractured leg, control muscle spasms,
and immobilize an area before surgery. Less force is applied during skin traction to avoid
irritating or damaging the skin and other soft tissues.
- pulling force is applied by weights that are attached to the client with Velcro, tape, straps, boots,
or cuffs. The amount of weight applied must not exceed the tolerance of the skin. No more than
2 to 3.5 kg (4.5 to 8 lbs) of traction can be used on an extremity. The affected body part is then
pulled into the right position using a pulley system attached to the hospital bed.

ADHESIVE: Avoid placing adhesive strapping over bony prominences, if not, cover them with cotton
padding and do the strapping.

Non adhesive: atrophic (a reduction in epidermal and dermal thickness)

- used in client with sensitivity to adhesive strapping

Skin traction is far less invasive than skeletal traction. It involves applying splints, bandages, or adhesive
tapes to the skin directly below the fracture. Once the material has been applied, weights are fastened
to it. The affected body part is then pulled into the right position using a pulley system attached to the
hospital bed.

Skin traction is used when the soft tissues, such as the muscles and tendons, need to be repaired. Less
force is applied during skin traction to avoid irritating or damaging the skin and other soft tissues. Skin
traction is rarely the only treatment needed. Instead, it’s usually used as a temporary way to stabilize a
broken bone until the definitive surgery is performed.