Traction Types

Thomas' splint Hugh Owen Thomas (1876)

1. Measure oblique circumference of thigh below gluteal fold and ischial tuberosity, measure normal and add 5 cm if swollen
2. Measure crotch to heel and add 15-20 cm = length of inner bar

Use Calico if possible to line splint

(Picture of Thomas splint)

Thomas,s splint and knee flexion piece

(Picture of knee flexion piece)

Bryant's or Gallows traction

Children less than 2 years, less than 16-18 Kg

Adhesive skin traction

Lift buttock's off bed

(Picture)

Modified, hoop traction, abduction

Buck's traction

Traction over a pillow

Perkins traction

Traction without external splintage and ACTIVE movement.

Split bed

Hamilton Russel traction

Place soft broad sling under knee

Support limb with knee flexed on pillows

Attach pulley

Tulloch Brown traction

U loop tibial traction

Ninety Ninety traction

Subtrochanteric and proximal third fractures

Bohler Braun frame

(picture)

Dunlop traction

Skin traction to forearm

Abduct arm 45º, flex elbow 45º

Weight required enough to lift arm off bed (roughly 0.5 - 1Kg)

Elevate same side of bed and or pad cot sides.

Apply padded sling counter traction, not always used.

BEWARE vascular status, ensure full flexion and extension of fingers.

(picture Dunlop tracion)

Olecranon traction

Use K wire and tensioner, or screw eye directly into olecranon

Two options

1. Upper arm vertical and forearm across chest

2. Upper arm horizontal forearm vertical

Metacarpal traction

Squeeze hand to increase metacarpal arch and pass K wire across distal 2nd and 3rd metacarpals

Apply vertical traction

Traction and Orthopaedic Appliances; John D.M Stewart, Jeffrey P Hallett

Last updated 11/09/2015

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