GALLOWS TRACTION

Question 1

WHAT IS GALLOWS (BRYANT) TRACTION?

Answer 1

Is a type of skin traction used in # of shaft of femur in children <3 years and weighing < 15kg

Question 2

OUTLINE THE INDICATIONS FOR GALLOWS TRACTION

Answer 2

(a) Orthopedic
i) Hip dislocation
ii) # of pelvis, femur
iii) Disk prolapse
iv) Osteomyelitis
v) Septic arthritis
vi) #/dislocation Sacrum
(b) Non- orthopedic
i) Perineal or gluteal burn
ii) Perineal or gluteal abscesses
iii) Hernias- obturator and umbilical
iv) Rectal prolapse
v) Contractures
vi) Scrotal swelling – congenital hydroceles
vii) Non-thrombosed hemorrhoids
viii) Spinal bifida

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF GALLOWS TRACTION?

Answer 3

i) Skin avulsion
ii) Allergic rxn to strapping
iii) Compartment syndrome
iv) Joint stiffness
v) Gangrene or ischemia to distal limb
vi) Hypostatic pneumonia

Question 4

HOW CAN YOU TELL THATA GALLOWS TRACTION HAS BEEN INCORRECTLY APPLIED?

Answer 4

Hand can‘t sweep under buttocks

Question 5

COMPARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF GALLOWS TRACTION

Answer 5

Advantages
 Easy to nurse/apply
 Non invasive
 Prevent decubitus ulcers
 Children don‘t find it distressing
 Not expensive
Disadvantages
 Wt. limitation
 Ischemia if too tight
 Stiffness and contractures formation