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o Reduction of muscle spasms in soft tissue injuries
o Pediatric femur fractures (e.g., Bryant’s traction)
• Common Types:
o Buck’s Traction: Used for hip fractures, reduces muscle spasms before surgery.
o Russell’s Traction: Combines skin traction and suspension for femur fractures.
o Bryant’s Traction: Used in young children with femoral fractures or hip
dysplasia.
• Considerations:
o Limited to short-term use (typically <2 weeks) due to skin breakdown risks.
o Monitor for skin irritation, pressure ulcers, and circulatory impairment.

3. Skeletal Traction

• Definition: Involves inserting metal pins, wires, or screws into the bone, allowing direct
force application for prolonged immobilization.
• Indications:
o Unstable femoral, tibial, pelvic, and cervical spine fractures
o Congenital deformity corrections
o Long-term alignment maintenance for complex injuries
• Common Types:
o Balanced Suspension Traction: Maintains femur alignment using a combination
of pulleys and weights.
o Halo Traction: Used for cervical spine fractures to stabilize the neck.
o 90-90 Traction: Used for femoral fractures, with hip and knee flexed at 90
degrees.
• Considerations:
o Requires strict aseptic technique to prevent infections at pin insertion sites.
o Monitor for neurovascular compromise, infection, and pin loosening.

Traction Application and Maintenance

1. General Principles of Traction Application

• Ensure the correct amount of weight is applied (too much can cause misalignment, too
little can be ineffective).
• Weights should hang freely, without obstruction.
• Proper patient positioning is critical for maintaining traction effectiveness.
• Regularly assess skin integrity, circulation, and sensation in the affected limb.

2. Steps for Applying Skin Traction

1. Prepare the Limb:
o Clean and dry the skin where the adhesive strips or foam boot will be applied.
2. Secure Traction Device: