What it means
A treatment that pulls on a limb or the spine to keep bones lined up, reduce muscle spasm or ease pain, often before surgery for a fracture. Skin traction pulls through straps or a boot on the skin, such as Buck's traction on the leg. Skeletal traction pulls through pins or wires placed in the bone. A matching pull in the other direction (countertraction), often the client's own body weight, keeps the client from sliding.
For the nurse
Keep the weights hanging freely, off the bed and floor, and never remove them unless ordered. Keep the ropes on their pulleys and the client in good body alignment. Check circulation, movement and feeling in the limb often, inspect the skin under straps, and give pin site care as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | tracción |
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Related terms
femur
The thigh bone, the long bone between the hip and the knee.
hip fracture
A break in the upper part of the thigh bone, near the hip joint.
mobility
The ability to move freely and easily, such as turning in bed, getting up and walking.