What is meant by fixed and balanced traction?
Traction on a limb demands either a fixed point from which the traction may be exerted (fixed traction) or an equal counter-traction in the opposite direction (balanced traction) There is continuous diminution of traction force, as the tone in the muscles diminishes and no further stimuli results in activation of the muscle stretch reflex
What is traction traction?
Introduction to Traction Traction produces a reduction through the surrounding soft parts, which align the fragments by their tension When the shaft of a long bone is fractured the elastic retraction of muscles surrounding the bone tends to produce over-riding of the fragments
What are the disadvantages of a fixed normal traction drive?
Traction drives that simply apply fixed normal force essentially expose their rolling elements to constant high Hertzian contact stresses that needlessly shortens life. On the other hand, adding a separate mechanism for the application of normal force makes the traction drive costlier and more complicated.
What are the different types of traction used to treat fractures?
The type of traction used will depend on the location and the nature of the problem. Skeletal traction involves placing a pin, wire, or screw in the fractured bone. After one of these devices has been inserted, weights are attached to it so the bone can be pulled into the correct position.
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.
What are the two main types of traction?
There are two common types of traction. These include skin traction and skeletal traction.
What is balanced traction?
For some types of femur fractures, a pin is placed in the child's broken bone and the pin is connected to the weights. This is called “balanced skeletal traction.” The weights keep the parts of the bone in the proper place so the bone can heal well.
What does traction mean 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.
What is continuous traction?
Continuous Traction - Continuous or bed traction uses low weights for extended periods of time (up to several hours at a time). This long duration requires that only small amounts of weight be used. It is generally believed that this type of traction is ineffective in actually separating the spinal structures.
What is traction and its types?
Traction is a set of mechanisms for straightening broken bones or relieving pressure on the spine and skeletal system. There are two types of traction: skin traction and skeletal traction. They are used in orthopedic medicine.
What is lateral traction?
Lateral traction is a treatment technique in which weight or tension is used to move a body part to the side or away from its original location.
What is Russell's traction?
A form of traction used to align a fractured femur. The lower leg is supported in a sling just below the knee and pulling forces are exerted upwards and longitudinally by means of pulleys and weights. [ R. H. Russell (1860–1933), Australian surgeon]
What is a 90 90 traction?
In 90° - 90° traction, your child's lower leg will be supported by a "Bucky Boot" which is made of foam. A pin will be placed in the broken bone for stability. Weights will be attached to it by traction ropes. The weights help keep the parts of the bone in proper position so the bone will heal correctly.
What does traction mean in medical terms?
Traction means pulling on part of the body. Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint, such as a dislocated shoulder. The tension helps put the joint back in position and keep it still.
How do you transfer a patient with traction?
The patient's body should always be in alignment with the force of traction. Check the patient's position each time you enter the room and help the patient slide up in bed if necessary. Encourage the patient to use the overhead trapeze instead of elbows to move in bed.
Is traction done before or after surgery?
For people with hip fractures, traction involves either using tapes (skin traction) or pins (skeletal traction) attached to the injured leg and connected to weights via a pulley. The application of traction before surgery is thought to relieve pain and make the subsequent surgery easier.
How is traction applied?
Traction may be applied through traction tapes attached to skin by adhesives or by direct pull by transfixing pins through or onto the skeleton. Traction must always be apposed by counter traction or the pull exerted against a fixed object, otherwise it merely pulls the patient down or off the bed.
What is excessive traction in a fracture?
Once the fracture is reduced a decreasing amount of weight is required to maintain a reduction once the muscle stretch reflex has been overcome and the fracture immobilised.
Why is a fracture mechanically unstable?
When the fracture is mechanically unstable, because the fragments are not in apposition or because the fracture line is oblique. Continuous traction generated by weights and pulleys, in addition to causing reduction of a deformity, will also produce a relative fixation of the fragments by the rigidity conferred by the surrounding soft tissue ...
What is the effect of traction on a fractured bone?
Traction produces a reduction through the surrounding soft parts, which align the fragments by their tension. When the shaft of a long bone is fractured the elastic retraction of muscles surrounding the bone tends to produce over-riding of the fragments. This tendency is greater when. The muscles are powerful and long bellied as in the thigh.
What is pin traction?
Pins in plaster is a form of fixed traction. Balanced Traction. In weight traction, it is the tension in the apparatus which remains constant and the length depends on the amount of tearing of the intermuscular septum and fibrous tissue of the limb.
Is traction costly?
Traction requires constant care and vigilance and is costly in terms of the length of hospital stay and all the hazards of prolonged bed rest must be considered when traction is used : Thromboembolism. Decubiti. Pneumonia. Atelectasis. Excessive traction which leads to distraction of the fracture is undesirable.
What is traction therapy?
Traction is a pulling force. In orthopaedics, traction therapy is used as a conservative intervention. It is used to reduce and maintain alignment of fractures, immobilise inflamed or injured joints, relieve pain, correct mild deformities and reduce muscle spasm. Skin traction was one of the first management techniques in orthopedics. Currently, skin traction is primarily used in managing trauma. Advantages include preventing further displacement of the fracture and maintaining or improving alignment so reduction of the fracture is easier when operated on (Anderson et al 1993, Harvey 1998, Needof et al 1993 ). In theory, this technique replicates the actions of the surgeon in reducing the fracture ( Drapper & Scott 1998 ).
What is essential for traction?
What is essential is that a uniform approach is used once the traction is established. There are many types of traction and the names may vary from hospital to hospital. There may also be variations and alterations to accommodate individual needs.
Why is skeletal traction important?
Skeletal traction is also used following trauma, such as when the integrity of the skin is damaged and the application of skin traction would be difficult. Skeletal traction allows for easier access to wounds, dressings or any other injuries.
What type of traction is used for irritable hip syndrome?
The following types of traction are most commonly used for children: • Simple leg traction or Buck’s extensions: used for pre- and postoperative positioning and immobilisation, best for inflammatory disorders such as irritable hip syndrome – this is either fixed or balanced, and is usually skin traction .
What age group is traction used?
Developmental issues. Traction is used for all age groups from the newborn in gallows traction, to the adolescent on Thomas splint traction. It is an immobilising device and therefore restricts independence and the freedom to move.
What factors are considered when caring for patients on traction?
Other factors such as trauma, surgeon’s preference and availability of equipment will also be considered. Nurses caring for patients on traction need a working knowledge of each of the various types of traction along with its rationale, correct set-up and maintenance.
Is traction used in paediatrics?
Traction, in all its many guises, is extensively used in or thopaedic practice, including paediatrics. Like many aspects of orthopaedic therapy, it does not remain constant and therefore requires a high degree of nursing input.
What controls alignment and not traction?
It is the splint which controls alignment and not the traction. The tension in the apparatus should only be that sufficient to balance resting muscle tone. Suspension of the splint using an overhead beam enables the splint to move easily with the patient when they move in bed.
When did Buck Traction start?
Buck Traction. Buck introduced simple horizontal traction in 1861. Traction is analogous to Pugh's traction only the inclination of the bed is replaced by the application of weights over a pulley.
Is rigid splinting used in femur traction?
No rigid splinting is used in this method. Combines a means of suspending the lower extremity and a means of applying traction in the axis of the femur. Many other varieties of both skeletal and skin traction result in a similar effect.
