
What is a buck's extension traction?
Bucks Traction Buck's extension traction is a type of skin traction. The nurse inspects the skin of the limb in traction at least once every 8 hours for irritation or Inflammation. Massaging the skin with lotion is not indicated. The nurse never releases the weights of traction unless specifically ordered by the physician.
What are the symptoms of Buck's traction fracture?
This can cause painful movement at the fracture site and muscle cramping. Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that is widely used for femoral, hip, and acetabular fractures, which are fractures in the socket portion of the "ball-and-socket" hip joint.
Is Buck traction effective for hip fracture?
Although Buck traction is commonly recommended for hip fractures, its use should be limited in duration. capsule volume and thereby limit pain. The effectiveness of this type of traction in decreasing pain has not been demonstrated ( 6, 7 ). posterior distal thigh (avoid pressure in the popliteal fossa). A rope
What are the terms of traction and counter traction?
Definition of terms. Traction: Traction is the application of a pulling force to an injured part of the body or extremity. Skin Traction (Bucks Traction): Skin traction is applied by strapping the patient’s affected lower limb and attaching weights. Counter Traction: Application of force in the opposite direction used to oppose/offset traction.

What is the purpose of Buck's traction?
Buck's skin traction is widely used in the lower limb for femoral fractures, lower backache, acetabular and hip fractures. Skin traction rarely reduces a fracture, but reduces pain and maintains length in fractures. The skin is prepared and shaved -it must be dry. Friar's balsam may be used to improve adhesion.
How long does bucks traction take?
Traction time can vary from 24 hours to six weeks, or more. If you are waiting for corrective surgery, skin traction may be short-term to immobilize the fracture until your healthcare provider can operate.
What are the 3 types of traction?
What Are the Different Types of Traction?Skeletal Traction. Skeletal traction involves placing a pin, wire, or screw in the fractured bone. ... Skin Traction. Skin traction is far less invasive than skeletal traction. ... Cervical Traction. During cervical traction, a metal brace is placed around your neck.
How do you make bucks traction?
1:011:57Bucks Traction Breakdown: How to tie the knot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take your weight holder the hook. And put it through that. And then you can take your weightMoreYou take your weight holder the hook. And put it through that. And then you can take your weight whatever the set poundage has been told to you by your attending. And slip that on to the hook. Itself.
How do you care for a patient in Buck's traction?
Traction careEnsure that the traction weight bag is hanging freely, the bag must not rest on the bed or the floor.If the rope becomes frayed replace them.The rope must be in the pulley tracks.Ensure the bandages are free from wrinkles.Tilt the bed to maintain counter traction.
Why is traction used before surgery?
The application of traction before surgery is thought to relieve pain and make the subsequent surgery easier. Where traction is not used, the injured limb is usually placed on a pillow and the patient encouraged to adopt a position of greatest comfort.
What is the difference between Buck's skin traction and skeletal traction?
These include skin traction and skeletal traction. The difference lies in where the pin, or base, is placed. Skeletal traction uses a pin inserted into your bone. In skin traction, a splint or adhesive is applied to your skin.
What is Buck's traction for hip fracture?
To stabilize the fracture, Ms. Hightower's right leg is placed in Buck's traction, which includes a foam boot. A weight attached to the boot pulls the bone fragments into alignment. Buck's traction prevents further traumatic injury and reduces muscle spasms.
Is traction good for back pain?
In brief. Based on current evidence, traction as a single treatment is not effective for patients with low-back pain, with or without sciatica.
How much weight should I put on bucks traction?
It is common practice to use approximately 10% of the patient's body weight as weighted traction. As a general rule of thumb in medicine: start low and go slow. Weight should also be added in small increments. Most hospitals have weights of 2.5, 5, and 10 pounds.
Can a nurse set up Bucks traction?
Role of the Nurse in Caring for Patients in Traction RNs shall not apply or set up skeletal or cervical traction.
How much weight can you put on skin traction?
The weights typically weigh five to seven pounds and attach to the skin using tape or straps. They bring together the fractured ends of bone or dislocated joint so that it may heal correctly. Can vary from abrasions to partial-thickness skin loss. Nursing staff may tilt you on your side to prevent pressure sores.
How much weight should I put on bucks traction?
It is common practice to use approximately 10% of the patient's body weight as weighted traction. As a general rule of thumb in medicine: start low and go slow. Weight should also be added in small increments. Most hospitals have weights of 2.5, 5, and 10 pounds.
Does Buck's traction reduce muscle spasms?
The main benefits of skeletal traction are: Joint or bone immobilization. Reduce or realign dislocations and fractures. Prevent and reduce muscle spasm.
Can a nurse set up Bucks traction?
Role of the Nurse in Caring for Patients in Traction RNs shall not apply or set up skeletal or cervical traction.
What is Buck's traction for hip fracture?
To stabilize the fracture, Ms. Hightower's right leg is placed in Buck's traction, which includes a foam boot. A weight attached to the boot pulls the bone fragments into alignment. Buck's traction prevents further traumatic injury and reduces muscle spasms.
What is buck traction?
Buck trac·tion. apparatus for applying longitudinal skin traction on the leg through contact between the skin and adhesive tape; friction between the tape and skin permits application of force, which is applied through a cord over a pulley, suspending a weight; elevation of the foot of the bed allows the body to act as a counterweight.
How is traction applied to the lumbar spine?
Traction applied to the lumbar spine usually by applying a force to pull on the pelvis or by using a mobilization technique to distract individual joints of the lumbar vertebrae.
What is the use of a device or mechanical linkage (pulleys and weights) to apply a?
The use of a device or mechanical linkage (pulleys and weights) to apply a traction force.
What is cervical traction?
cervical traction. Traction applied to the cervical spine by applying a force to lift the head or a mobilization technique to distract individual joints of the vertebrae. The reaction can be done manually or by a traction device. It is frequently used to relieve pain caused by a herniated disc. See: Crutchfield tongs.
What is the term for the force exerted by elastic devices such as rubber bands?
Traction exerted by elastic devices such as rubber bands.
Where is traction done?
Traction is usually done in a hospital.
What is traction in surgery?
Traction is a technique for realigning a broken bone or dislocated part of the body using weights, pulleys, and ropes to gently apply pressure and pull the bone or injured body part back into position. After a fracture, traction can restore the position of a bone during the early stage of healing or temporarily ease the pain while you are waiting for further corrective surgery. There are two main types of traction: skeletal traction and skin traction. A third kind, cervical traction, is used to help stabilize fractures in the neck.
What is the difference between skeletal and skin traction?
Skin Traction. Skin traction is less invasive than skeletal traction and uses splints, bandages, and adhesive tapes positioned on the limb near the fracture and is applied directly to the skin. Weights and pulleys are attached, and pressure is applied.
Why do you need skeletal traction?
If you need skeletal traction, it will be done while an anesthetic so you don't experience too much pain.
What happens when a bone breaks?
When a bone breaks, the muscles and tendons can pull the extremity into a shortened or bent position. The traction can hold the fractured bone or dislocated joint in place. This can cause painful movement at the fracture site and muscle cramping.
Why is traction so difficult?
Traction can be a very challenging treatment—physically, emotionally, and psychologically because you are severely limited in movement and so undoubtedly feeling quite vulnerable. This may be compounded by the pain that you have to deal with associated with a bone fracture or dislocation of some part of your body. Your doctor can play a big role in easing your anxiety by fully explaining the procedure, including what you can expect and how long the traction will be necessary. Communication with the health professionals who care for you during this difficult time can go a long way to assuage your anxiety and help you get through the experience of having traction.
What is cervical traction?
Cervical Traction. Cervical traction is used when neck vertebrae are fractured. In this kind of traction, a device circles the head and attaches to a harness that's worn like a vest around the torso. The resulting stretch to the neck reduces pressure on the spine by pulling and aligning the vertebrae.
Which side of the ankle is Buck traction?
the lateral side of the ankle. Although Buck traction is commonly
What is skin traction?
Skin Traction. Skin traction may be used as a definitive method of treatment as well as a first aid or temporary measure. The traction force. applied to the skin is transmitted to bone via the superficial fascia, deep fascia, and intermuscular septa. Skin damage can result from too.
What is a skull tong?
Skull tong traction is a form of cervical spine traction and is applied by one of the many types of skull calipers (tongs) ( Fig. 9-2 ). The most satisfactory caliper is
How much weight is needed for skin traction?
much traction force. The maximum weight recommended for skin traction. is 10 lb or less, depending on the size and age of the patient. If this. much weight is used, then discontinue the skin traction after 1 week. If less weight is used and if the skin is inspected biweekly, then skin.
What is the trapeze used for in a hospital bed?
trapeze, and side rails to the bed so the patient can shift position.
Where to apply traction for cervical radiculopathy?
cervical radiculopathy. Apply the traction to the mandible and occiput
Does traction decrease pain?
of traction in decreasing pain has not been demonstrated ( 6, 7 ).
What is counter traction?
Counter Traction: Application of force in the opposite direction used to oppose/offset traction.
How to apply traction weight bag?
Ensure the correct amount of water has been added to the traction weight bag as per medical orders. Fold foam stirrup around the heel, ankle and lower leg of affected limb. Apply bandage, starting at the ankle, up the lower leg using a figure 8 technique, secure with sleek tape.
How to apply bandage to a pulley?
Apply bandage, starting at the ankle, up the lower leg using a figure 8 technique, secure with sleek tape. Place rope over the pulley and attach traction weight bag. If necessary trim rope to ensure traction weigh bag is suspended in air and does not sit on the floor.
What activities can traction patients do?
The patient is able to sit up in bed and participate in quiet activities such as craft, board games and watching TV. Play therapy will be beneficial for patients in traction long term.
Why should a patient be transported to theatre in traction?
The patient should be transported to theatre in traction to reduce pain and maintain alignment.
Who documents order for skin traction?
Ensure Order for Skin traction is documented by the Orthopaedic Team- (including weight to be applied in kgs)
Can traction weight bags rest on the bed?
Ensure that the traction weight bag is hanging freely, the bag must not rest on the bed or the floor

Buck’s Traction Definition
- Buck’s traction for femur fracture is very helpful. It can be utilized in the treatment and realignment of broken bones, the correction of contractures or abnormalities, and the immobilization of the knee. Also called Buck’s extension, this traction is used in the short-term treatment of fractures of the following: 1. Femoral neck 2. Fractures of t...
Management
- Common forms of management: 1. Acute Management 2. Ongoing management 1. Check that the orthopedic nursing team has properly documented the order for skin traction (including Buck’s traction weight to be applied in kgs) 1.1. Preparation of the necessary equipment (Buck’s traction splint) 1.2. Traction kit available in pediatric or adult size (foam stirrup with rope and bandage) 1…
Potential Complications
- Following are the complications of buck’s traction: 1. Breakdown of the skin in pressure places 2. Neurovascular dysfunction 3. Compartment syndrome 4. Jointcontractures 5. Constipationfrom immobility and analgesics 6. Sore heels 7. Peroneal nerve damage 8. Infections of the urinary tract 9. Pin tract infection 10. Loss of muscle mass 11. Immobilization for extended periods in b…
References
- Crib, N. (2022). “Nursing Management of Patients in Traction.” Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://nursingcrib.com/demo-checklist/nursing-management-of-patients-in-traction/.
- “Universal Buck’s Traction.” (2022). Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://www.djoglobal.com/products/procare/universal-Buck’s-traction.
- “Russell traction.” (2022). Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/careg…
- Crib, N. (2022). “Nursing Management of Patients in Traction.” Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://nursingcrib.com/demo-checklist/nursing-management-of-patients-in-traction/.
- “Universal Buck’s Traction.” (2022). Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://www.djoglobal.com/products/procare/universal-Buck’s-traction.
- “Russell traction.” (2022). Retrieved 29 July, 2022, from https://www.encyclopedia.com/caregiving/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/russell-traction.
- “Purpose of Traction “. (2022). Retrieved 29 july, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/traction-fracture-and-broken-bone-treatment-2548529.
Purpose of Traction
Limitations of Traction
- Although traction was widely used for more than a century, in recent years it has been eclipsed by more state-of-the-art surgical techniques for correcting broken bones. Today, traction is used primarily as a temporary measure until surgery is performed.
Risks and Contraindications
- There are no long-term risks associated with traction. But some people may experience muscle spasms or pain in the treated area.
Before Traction
- Both skin and skeletal traction require X rays prior to application. These may be repeated over the course of treatment to ensure that the bone alignment remains correct. If you need traction, your healthcare provider will determine: 1. Type of traction 2. Amount of weight to be applied 3. Timing of neurovascular checks if more frequent than every four hours 4. Care regimen for inserted pins…
During Traction
- The prolonged immobility that you will experience in traction carries with it a number of potential issues including: 1. Bedsores 2. Possible respiratory problems 3. Urinary issues 4. Circulatory problems To maintain movement of your muscles and joints, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe a physical therapy program. The equipment will be checked regularly to ensure it'…
Follow-Up
- The first few days after being in traction may be physically and emotionally challenging. Your muscles are probably weak from spending a lot of time in bed. Moving around may be painful. To address these issues, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy as a follow-up to traction. This will help you regain your strength and movement after having spent so much time …