Traction and its types

What is Traction and Its Types

Introduction

In the field of physiotherapy and orthopedics, traction plays a major role in helping patients recover from bone, joint, and spinal injuries. It is a simple yet effective treatment method that uses a steady pulling force to bring bones or joints into their correct position.

Traction helps reduce pain, correct deformities, and maintain the alignment of broken bones until they heal properly. It is also used to relieve pressure on nerves or muscles, especially in conditions that affect the spine.

Definition

Traction is a therapeutic technique in which a controlled pulling force is applied to a specific part of the body, usually through the skin or directly on the bone. This force helps in:

• Aligning bone fragments after a fracture

• Reducing dislocations

• Decreasing muscle spasm and stiffness

• Relieving nerve compression

In simpler words, traction gently “pulls” the affected body part to restore its natural position and function.

Objectives of Traction

The main goals of traction are:

1. To reduce and align fractures or dislocations.

2. To maintain bone position during the healing period.

3. To relieve pain caused by muscle spasms.

4. To prevent or correct deformities.

5. To reduce pressure on spinal nerves in cases like disc prolapse or nerve compression.

Basic Principles of Traction

For traction to be successful, it must follow certain basic principles:

• The line of pull should follow the direction of the injured bone.

• There must be counter-traction to balance the pulling force.

• The force applied should be gentle, constant, and carefully controlled.

• The patient’s body should remain aligned and stable during the procedure.

• Continuous traction is more effective than interrupted traction.

Types of Traction

Traction can be divided into several types depending on how it is applied and for what purpose it is used.

1. Manual Traction

Manual traction is performed by a therapist or doctor using their hands to apply a short-term pulling force. It is often used for immediate relief of pain or muscle tightness.

Example: Manual cervical traction or manual lumbar traction.

Advantages:

• Quick and easy to perform

• Allows precise control of the direction and amount of force

Limitations:

• Cannot be maintained for long periods

• Requires skilled hands and physical effort from the therapist

2. Mechanical Traction

In this method, a machine or pulley system is used to apply continuous or intermittent traction. It provides a steady and measurable pulling force, making it suitable for spinal conditions.

Example: Mechanical cervical traction or lumbar traction machine.

Advantages:

• Provides consistent pull

• Allows adjustment of weight and direction

Limitations:

• Needs supervision and equipment

• Some patients may feel discomfort if the settings are incorrect

3. Skin Traction

Skin traction is a non-surgical method in which adhesive straps, bandages, or tapes are attached to the skin. The pulling force is then applied through weights connected to the straps. It is commonly used for temporary immobilization before surgery or to reduce muscle spasm.

Examples:

• Buck’s traction – used for hip or femur fractures

• Bryant’s traction – used in children for hip dislocations

Advantages:

• Easy to apply and remove

• No surgical procedure required

Limitations:

• Can only hold limited weight (usually 2–3 kg)

• May cause skin irritation or blisters if used too long

4. Skeletal Traction

Skeletal traction involves a surgical procedure where pins, wires, or tongs are inserted directly into the bone. The pulling force is applied through these metal attachments. This method is mainly used for severe fractures that require long-term alignment.

Examples:

• Crutchfield tongs – for cervical spine traction

• Steinmann pin traction – for femur or tibia fractures

Advantages:

• Provides strong, stable, and long-term traction

• Useful for complex fractures

Limitations:

• Invasive method that needs surgery

• Risk of infection at the pin insertion site

5. Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is used specifically for the neck and upper spine. It helps in relieving nerve compression, stiffness, and disc-related pain. The traction can be applied manually, mechanically, or using a cervical halter.

Commonly used for:

• Cervical spondylosis

• Neck strain

• Herniated disc in the cervical region

6. Lumbar Traction

Lumbar traction is applied to the lower back to reduce pressure on spinal nerves and relieve pain caused by disc problems or sciatica. It can be performed manually or using a mechanical traction table.

Used for:

• Lumbar disc prolapse

• Sciatica

• Chronic low back pain

Indications of Traction

Traction is commonly used in conditions such as:

• Bone fractures (femur, humerus, spine)

• Dislocations

• Spinal deformities like scoliosis

• Nerve compression

• Muscle tightness and contractures

Contraindications

Traction should be avoided in the following cases:

• Weak or brittle bones (osteoporosis)

• Bone infections (osteomyelitis)

• Spinal tumors or cancer

• Pregnancy (for lumbar traction)

• Severe cardiovascular conditions

Conclusion

Traction is a well-established and effective treatment technique that helps in realigning bones, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Whether it is applied manually, mechanically, through the skin, or directly to the bone, the main goal remains the same — to support the body’s natural healing process.

When used under proper medical supervision, traction can provide great relief and help patients recover from serious injuries and spinal problems safely.