Principles and Applications of Skin Traction

Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation Strategies

Skin traction is a non-invasive technique used in orthopaedics to provide temporary relief and assist in postoperative rehabilitation. It is particularly effective for managing fractures, muscle spasms, and joint alignment.

Types of Skin Traction

• Buck’s Traction: Common for hip fractures and knee injuries.
• Russell’s Traction: Used for femoral fractures with balanced suspension.
• Bryant’s Traction: Typically applied to pediatric patients.

Postoperative Care Considerations

• Regular skin assessment to prevent pressure ulcers.
• Monitoring traction weight and alignment.
• Pain management and patient comfort optimization.

Rehabilitation Strategies

• Gradual mobilization with physical therapy.
• Muscle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises.
• Patient education to ensure adherence to recovery protocols.