Orthopaedics

Question 1

Traction

Answer 1

CARE OF A PATIENT ON TRACTION
✓Check line of pull is parallel to shaft of fractured bone ✓Check that rope and weights are hanging freely
✓Check pin sites for signs of sepsis
✓Check that counter traction is applied if necessary
✓Check that the position of the patient relative to the traction is
correct
✓Check pressure areas
✓Check for all complications of immobilization. A patient on traction
is subject to all the usual complications of immobilization such as DVT, chest complications, general deconditioning etc.