Skeletal Traction - Uses, Types, Advantages, and Complications

Introduction

Broken bones can be treated by skeletal traction. This technique encourages the healing of broken bones by using a mix of pulleys, pins, and weights. An internal pin is inserted into the bone during skeletal traction. A pulley system can be built on top of that pin. It realigns damaged bones and encourages appropriate healing by applying a gentle tugging force. ‌Traction typically comes in two different forms. They consist of skeletal and skin traction. The location of the pin or base makes a difference. An implanted pin is used in skeletal traction. A splint or adhesive is placed on the skin during skin traction.

How and When Is Skeletal Traction Used?

Skeletal traction has been used as a broken bone treatment since the 13th century. It is mostly utilized to repair broken bones in the lower body. Today, it serves as preoperative therapy. When the fracture is unstable, skeletal traction can help realign the bones. The following bones are frequently fractured and treated by skeletal traction:

• Upper leg bone (femur).

• Lower leg bone (tibia).

• Upper arm bone (humerus).

• Hips.

• Pelvis.

• Lower spinal area (cervical spine).

For skeletal traction, an orthopedic surgeon will place a pin at a specific location on the bone. Depending on which bone fractured and how it needs to be fixed, the surgeon will decide where to put the pin. Before this, local anesthesia is used. The traction mechanism uses a pulley with one end hooked to a weight that can weigh up to 15 pounds. This gives the bones the force they need to realign themselves after a fracture. Moreover, it enables them to reposition themselves. The fractured bone will be correctly realigned using a system of pulleys, laying the groundwork for a successful surgery. To encourage proper healing without surgery, the doctor might also advise traction.

What Are the Types of Skeletal Traction?

The two primary kinds of skeletal traction are:

• Balanced suspension traction.

• Skull tongs traction.

Depending on the injury's location and nature, different types of traction are performed.

• Balanced Suspension Traction: Traction is applied through parallel rods utilizing ropes, pulleys, or weights in balanced suspension traction, which is used to treat femur or upper leg fractures. To support the femur, wires or pins are put through it. Two tiny pins are inserted on either side of the bone, and one larger pin is inserted through the bone's core. Afterward, rods are fastened to a splint with a ring that supports the thigh and a canvas sling that supports the calf (also referred to in technical terms as the Pearson attachment and Thomas sling). Either traction is administered directly to the skin or through a femur-attached splint or traction boot. To limit mobility and allow for bone realignment, the patient essentially lies flat in bed with their leg hanging. Being immobile for a prolonged period might cause skin ulcers.

• Skull Tongs Traction: A type of traction called skull tongs traction is used to repair broken bones in the upper section of the spine or cervical fractures. Tongs are put into the holes that have been drilled into the skull. These tongs are metal screws that are fastened to the user's head with a metal band that resembles a headband. The spinal cord is then secured using weights attached to the thongs. This kind of traction restricts movement and mandates that the patient remains in bed. They stay in bed until the wound is healed, surgery is done, or they can put on a halo vest. The halo vest, which consists of a metal frame that fastens to the thongs and supports the spine, allows the user to walk and reintroduces movement. An infection at the tongs' site is one potential side effect of this surgery, and it can result in a pronounced, excruciating headache.

What Are the Advantages of Skeletal Traction?

It can be excruciatingly painful to break a bone. It may also put people through a great deal of discomfort. It is crucial to follow all the instructions to ensure that the broken bone heals properly. If not, one could have to cope with the same issue for a while. The goal of skeletal traction is to realign the bones following a severe fracture. The bones can fracture into small pieces as a result of accidents. Without the right care, it is challenging to fully recover their function. The fractured bone's surrounding muscle can contract. When a youngster fractures their leg, this happens, which causes the bones to shrink as they recover. One leg may end up being longer than the other as a result. Skeletal traction may be suggested as a course of treatment or utilized as an interim remedy. The main advantages of skeletal traction include the following:

• Immobilization of a joint or a bone.

• Reduce or correct fractures and dislocations.

• Decrease and avoid muscular spasms.

• Relief from pain and pressure.

• Soothe the spinal nerves.

• As a therapeutic option is being considered, ensure patient comfort.

What Are the Complications of Skeletal Traction?

Skeletal traction offers a wide range of advantages. Yet there may also be side effects, like with the majority of medical procedures. The problems are relied on by immobility and the consequences of hanging limbs. The following are a few issues that skeletal traction may result in.

• Infection: A metal pin is put into the bone during skeletal traction. This pin serves as a foundation for reducing the fracture. Whether it is in soft tissue or bone, the insertion site can get infected.

• Pressure Sores: Pressure ulcers and bedsores are other names for pressure sores. These may occur if people lie in the same posture for an extended amount of time. They frequently develop when the bones are close to the skin.

• Nerve Damage: When patients receive bone traction, the nerves may be harmed in a variety of ways. Although pin placement and wire configuration play a role, more investigation is needed.

• Misalignment of a Bone or Joint: The medical team will do everything possible to correctly straighten the joints or fractured bones. Misalignment may occur occasionally.

• Stiff Joints: Traction can cause the joints to stiffen. Possible causes include decreased blood flow.

• Malfunctioning Wire: Sometimes, the wires that hold the limb in place during skeletal traction can malfunction or break.

• A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT occurs when a sizable blood clot forms in the deep veins. It typically affects the legs when one remains immobile for a prolonged period.

Conclusion

The major objective of skeletal traction is to stabilize the bone, promote healing, and avoid additional harm. It can be used as the primary treatment for a fracture or as a treatment alternative to keep the bones steady until surgery can start.