Handbook Chp. 1: Casts and Traction

Question 1

When placing a cast on the hand that will cover the phalanges, what position should the fingers be in?

Answer 1

Intrinsic plus. This means MCP flexed 70-90 degrees w/the IP joints in extension.

Question 2

What are the 2 types of traction?

Answer 2

Skin and Skeletal. Skin uses a boot or something directly on the skin to hang weight from. Bucks is most common and has max of 10 lbs. Used commonly in hip fx. Skeletal traction requires placing pin into bone.

Question 3

How much weight can be used in LE skeletal traction?

Answer 3

Do not exceed 20% of body weight

Question 4

Where is pin placed in tibial skeletal traction?

Answer 4

2cm posterior and 1cm distal to tibial tubercle. Placed from Lateral to Medial to avoid common peroneal nerve. Used for distal femur fx.

Question 5

When applying a tibial traction pin, what muscle compartment should be avoided?

Answer 5

Anterior compartment. Use hemostat to move muscle posteriorly.

Question 6

What is femoral traction used for?

Answer 6

Acetabular and proximal femur fx

Question 7

Where should femoral traction pin be placed?

Answer 7

From medial to lateral at the adductor tubercle directed away from neurovasucal bundle

Question 8

Where is a calcaneal traction pin placed?

Answer 8

From medial to lateral to avoid nv bundle. Placement is about 2 cm posterior and inferior to medial mall.