Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application Flashcards

For traction to be effective, a counter-traction force must be established. In most forms of lower extremity traction, what typically provides the primary source of counter-traction?

Answer: The patient's own body weight

Effective traction requires a pulling force (traction) and an opposing force (counter-traction). In many applications, such as Buck's or Russell's traction, the patient's own body weight provides the counter-traction. This is often enhanced by elevating the foot of the bed, which uses gravity to pull the body in the opposite direction of the traction weights.

A patient with a femoral fracture is placed in Buck's traction prior to surgery. The Orthopaedic Technologist observes that the weight is resting on the floor. Which of the following is the MOST critical implication of this finding?

Answer: The traction is ineffective at reducing the fracture or muscle spasms.

A fundamental principle of traction is that the weights must hang freely at all times to provide a constant, prescribed pulling force. If the weight is resting on the floor, no pulling force is being applied to the limb, rendering the traction completely ineffective for its intended purpose of reducing pain, minimizing muscle spasms, and maintaining alignment.

When applying skin traction to a patient's lower leg, which of the following areas requires careful padding to prevent a common nerve injury?

Answer: The head of the fibula

The head of the fibula, located on the outer side of the leg just below the knee, is where the common peroneal nerve is most superficial. Applying pressure here with traction straps or bandages can lead to nerve compression, resulting in foot drop and sensory deficits. Therefore, this area must be well-padded and the straps applied carefully to avoid this complication.

Which of the following is a primary advantage of skeletal traction over skin traction for a significantly displaced long bone fracture?

Answer: It allows for the use of greater pulling force.

Skeletal traction involves inserting a pin or wire directly into the bone. This direct connection allows for the application of significantly more weight and a stronger pulling force compared to skin traction, which is limited by the integrity of the skin and soft tissues. This makes skeletal traction more suitable for managing unstable fractures or when a large amount of force is needed to achieve or maintain reduction.

An Orthopaedic Technologist is assisting with the care of a patient in skeletal traction via a pin in their proximal tibia. Which of the following is a critical and routine responsibility for the technologist regarding the pin site?

Answer: Regularly cleaning the site as per protocol to prevent infection.

The point where the pin enters the skin is a direct portal for bacteria to enter the body and bone, creating a high risk for a pin tract infection. A key responsibility of the care team, including the technologist, is to perform routine pin site care according to the institution's protocol, which involves cleaning the area to remove crusting and drainage, monitoring for signs of infection (redness, swelling, purulent drainage), and keeping the area clean and dry.

The principle of 'balanced' suspension traction, such as a Thomas splint with a Pearson attachment, is primarily designed to:

Answer: Allow the patient to move in bed without disrupting the line of pull.

Balanced suspension traction supports the limb in a splint and suspends it using a system of pulleys and weights. This setup is 'balanced' because it allows the patient some mobility, such as lifting themselves with a trapeze for personal care, while the leg and the traction force move with them, maintaining the alignment and the line of pull on the fracture.