Traction

Definition

Traction means pulling on part of the body.

Most often, traction uses devices such as weights and pulleys to put tension on a displaced bone or joint, such as a dislocated shoulder. The tension helps put the joint back in position and keep it still.

Traction is also used to keep a group of muscles (such as the neck muscles) stretched to reduce muscle spasms. This is called cervical traction.

Information

A traction treatment will involve a:

• Certain amount of tension to pull the body part into another position
• Length of time to use the tension
• Way to keep the tension steady

References

Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA. Closed fracture management. In: Browner BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, eds. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 6.

Cheung JPY, Karppinen J, Takatalo J, Wang H-Q, Shen FH, Samartzis D. Cervical degenerative disk disease. In: Shen FH, Samartzis D, Fessler RG, eds. Textbook of the Cervical Spine. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 12.