Mechanical traction exerts a pulling force on a part of the body—usually the spine, pelvis, or long bones of the arms and legs. It’s used to reduce fractures, treat dislocations, correct or prevent deformities, improve or correct contractures, or decrease muscle spasms. The type of traction used is determined by the physician and is based on the patient’s condition, age, and weight, the condition of his skin, the length of time he’ll be maintained in traction, and the purpose for which it’s used.

Skin traction is applied directly to the skin and thus indirectly to the bone. It’s ordered when a light, temporary, or noncontinuous pulling force is required. In skeletal traction, an orthopedist inserts a device through the bone and attaches the traction equipment to the device to exert a direct, constant, longitudinal pulling force. This type of traction is most often used for fractures of the femur, humerus, tibia, or cervical spine. (See Comparing traction types, page 916.)