PTA145-Unit3-Traction Flashcards
what is traction?
- A technique that applies a longitudinal force to the spine and associated sturctures, distracting the vertebrae
- Process of pulling apart
- Separation of bones
- DISTRACTION – separation of surfaces of a joint by extension without injury or dislocation of the joints
what are indications for traction?
- Disk Protrusions
- Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD)
- Nerve Root Compression
- Facet Joint Pathology
- Muscle Spasm
what are contraindications for traction?
- Spinal Infections (Infection could be spread)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (ligaments are vulnerable with RA)
- Acute inflammatory disorders affecting the vertebrae
- Vertebral Artery Dysfunction (Positive (+) Vertebral artery test)
- Spinal Cancers
- Spinal Cord Pressure (has not been effective and may aggravate)
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal Instability (Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis)
- Vertebral Fractures
what are precautions to traction?
- Joint Hypermobility (Traction could aggravate)
- Acute Inflammation (In almost all cases, traction can aggravate)
- Cardiac or respiratory insufficiency
- Claustrophobia or other anxiety associated with traction (If pt is not relaxed, muscle guarding can overcome strong traction forces)
- Pregnancy (Lumbar due to constriction of the abdomen, Joint laxity)
- Patients whose symptoms increase with traction
- TMJ dysfunction if using cervical traction with chin strap
- Patients with BP issues (Decreases in systolic and diastolic seen in patients undergoing cervical traction)
Where does the thoracic harness need to be in relationship to the body?
Both web belts should below the xiphoid process
Where does the pelvic harness need to be in relationship to the body?
- Top web belt above the iliac crest
- Top edge of top web belt crosses the umbilical line
If using maximum traction force as 50% body weight (BW), but you do not have a split table, how much tension would be needed if your patient weighs 150 pounds?
- 50% BW is 75
- 75 x 0.5 (traction coeff) = 37.5
- 75 (BW) + 37.5 (traction) = 112.5
112.5 lbs of tension
If using 30% as maximum, and no split table how much tension would be needed if your patient weighs 150 pounds?
- 30% BW is 45
- 45 (BW) x 0.5 (traction coeff) is 22.5
- 45 + 22.5 = 67.5
67.5 lbs of tension
What is traction treatment duration for Facet Joint Pathlogy?
25 minutes
What is traction treatment durations for Muscle Spasm
20 minutes
What is traction treatment duration for Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD)?
10 minutes
What is traction treatment duration for Disk Protrusion?
8-10 minutes
list the parameters for Cervical Traction for Muscle Spasm
Static 1 step progress/regress 0 (0-15) degrees 3-30 minutes 10 lbs
list the parameters for Lumbar Traction for Muscle Spasm
Static 1 step progress/regress 0 (0-15) degrees 3-30 minutes 30% of body weight / 1 lb
list the parameters for Cervical Traction for Vertebral Separation
Intermittent - 7 seconds hold/ 7 seconds rest 1 step progress/regress 30 degrees 20-30 minutes 10 lbs / (1 lb)
