skeletal traction (redirected from Traction (orthopedics))

traction /trac·tion/ (trak´shun) the act of drawing or pulling.

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axis traction  traction along an axis, as of the pelvis in obstetrics.

elastic traction  traction by an elastic force or by means of an elastic appliance.

skeletal traction  traction applied directly upon long bones by means of pins, wires, etc.,

skin traction  traction on a body part maintained by an apparatus affixed by dressings to the body surface.

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skeletal traction

n.

Traction on a bone structure by means of a pin or wire surgically inserted into the bone. Also called skeletal extension.

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skeletal traction,

one of the two basic kinds of traction used in orthopedics for the treatment of fractured bones and the correction of orthopedic abnormalities. Skeletal traction is applied to the affected structure by a metal pin or wire inserted into the structure and attached to traction ropes. Skeletal traction is often used when continuous traction is desired to immobilize, position, and align a fractured bone properly during the healing process. Infection of the pin tract is one of the complications that may develop with skeletal traction, and careful scrutiny of pin sites is an important precaution. Some common signs of infection of the pin tracts are erythema, drainage, noxious odor, pin slippage, temperature elevation, and pain. Superficial infection of pin tracts is often treated with antibiotic therapy. Deeper infections usually require pin removal and antibiotic therapy. Compare skin traction. See also Dunlop skeletal traction.

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skeletal traction

Pin traction Orthopedics Traction first achieved with tongs, followed by wire–eg, a K wire or pin–eg, Steinmann pin, placement in a bone–eg, tibia, femur and weights suspended therefrom to maintain proper alignment of the Fx. See Traction Physical therapy A technique that may relieve pain linked to certain neck disorders–eg, muscle spasm, nerve root compression, osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, myofascial syndrome, facet joint dysfunction; cervical traction–CT applies a stretch to muscles, ligaments, and tissue components of the cervical spine, providing relief by promoting separation of the intervertebral joint space, which contains the disc and may reduce bulging or impingement of structures in the foramen; it is not indicated for conditions of instability–eg, whiplash injuries; CT is most commonly used when the Pt is in the supine position–lying on the back with knees bent at a 45º with the neck placed at 20º-30º of flexion–forward tilt; traction in this position helps stretch the posterior neck muscles and facilitate intervertebral separation, relieving pressure that may be pinching nerves, promoting muscle relaxation and intervertebral separation.