Traction Flashcards
Term: Pulling or drawing
Traction
Term: Separation of jiont surfaces moving perpendicular to one another
Distraction
Term: Used to describe manual traction
Longitduinal mobilization
6 Effects of Spinal Traction
- Distraction/separation of vertebral bodies
- Distraction and gliding of facet joints
- Widening of the intervertebral foramen
- Tensing of ligamentous structures
- Straightening of spinal curves
- Stretching of spinal musculature
Describe the purpose of unilateral long axis traction
Can be used for protective scoliosis or to open the foramen on one side
Type of Traction: Special table composed of two sections that can be individually angled and rotated allowing the pt. to progress tx
Autotraction (no longer used)
Describe the force placed on the pelvis with Cotrell 90/90 Traction
Creates flexion at the pelvis
Describe 3 positions that unload the spine
- Supine in 90/90
- Use of UE to unload the spine in sitting
- Propping one leg on a step in standing
Type of Traction: Over the door unit that can put to much pressure on TMJ
Head Halter (for c-spine, no longer use)
Describe how the angle of pull is adjusted with using the Saunder’s Cervical Traction Device
By adjusted the height of the table
Describe what you can accomplish with manual traction that can’t be achieved with mechanical traction
Manual traction allows traction at a single segment, this can’t be accomplished with mechanical traction, instead the entire C/T/L-spine is on traction
Describe how traction is generated with portable traction units
With the use of a pressure pump that creates the longitudinal pull
6 General Traction Guidelines
- The pt. MUST RELAX
- Continually monitory sx
- DO NOT leave the pt. unattended for the 1st tx
- ALWAYS give the pt. the safety button (shut off button)
- ALWAYS consider SINS
- Establish before/after subjective asterisks
5 Indications for Spinal Traction
- Herniated nucleus pulposus
- DDD/DJD
- Joint hypomobility
- Facet impingement
- Muscle spasms
T/F: Traction alone is effective
FALSE: likely unsuccessful when used alone
Describe the effect on traction on HNP and the appropriate dosage
Effect: Can separate vertebra and lead to decrease pressure on the nucleus with a resulting suction force
Dosage: Sustained traction OR Longer hold-rest periods (60 sec hold, 20 rest) of intermittent traction, Tx time of 5-10 min