PAM Mechanical Modalities & Traction Therapy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What angle of cervical flexion is recommended when applying traction to target an intervertebral disc herniation?
- 0 degrees (neutral)
- 10 degrees
- 25 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
Correct answer: 25 degrees
Approximately 25 degrees of cervical flexion opens the posterior intervertebral foramen and maximizes distraction force on the herniated disc.
Question 2: What minimum traction force is generally required to achieve lumbar vertebral separation?
- 10% of body weight
- 25% of body weight
- 50% of body weight (Correct answer)
- 75% of body weight
Correct answer: 50% of body weight
Approximately 50% of body weight is needed to overcome paraspinal soft tissue resistance and achieve measurable lumbar vertebral separation.
Question 3: Sustained (continuous) spinal traction is MOST indicated for which condition?
- Acute paraspinal muscle spasm
- Disc herniation with nerve root compression (Correct answer)
- Facet joint hypomobility
- Ligament sprain
Correct answer: Disc herniation with nerve root compression
Sustained traction provides uninterrupted distraction force that is most effective for decompressing nerve roots compressed by disc herniation.
Question 4: What is the primary mechanical effect of spinal traction on the vertebral column?
- Increased intradiscal pressure
- Compression of apophyseal joints
- Distraction of vertebral segments (Correct answer)
- Increased vertebral end-plate loading
Correct answer: Distraction of vertebral segments
Traction's primary mechanical effect is distraction (separation) of vertebral segments, which reduces disc pressure and nerve root compression.
Question 5: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is primarily indicated for the management of:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Peripheral edema and lymphedema (Correct answer)
- Joint contractures
- Muscle atrophy
Correct answer: Peripheral edema and lymphedema
IPC uses cyclic inflation and deflation to create a mechanical pumping effect that promotes venous and lymphatic drainage, reducing peripheral edema.
Question 6: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to spinal traction?
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated nucleus pulposus
- Spinal malignancy or vertebral tumor (Correct answer)
- Cervical paraspinal muscle guarding
Correct answer: Spinal malignancy or vertebral tumor
Spinal malignancy is an absolute contraindication because traction forces could cause pathological fracture or spread of cancerous tissue.
Question 7: When applying cervical traction for facet joint dysfunction, the recommended cervical spine position is:
- 25–30 degrees of flexion
- 45 degrees of flexion
- Neutral or slight extension (0–5 degrees) (Correct answer)
- Maximum cervical extension
Correct answer: Neutral or slight extension (0–5 degrees)
Neutral or minimal flexion reduces compressive stress on facet joints and is preferred for facet dysfunction, unlike disc herniation which requires more flexion.
PAM Mechanical Modalities & Traction Therapy 1
What angle of cervical flexion is recommended when applying traction to target an intervertebral disc herniation?