BANDAGES AND SPLINTS

For some areas of the body, such as the clavicle or wrist, an elastic or muslin
bandage or a splint may be used to immobilize the bone during the healing phase.
Splints can be used when the fracture has some associated soft tissue damage that
needs care or if there is an expectation of swelling. It is important that the splint be well
padded, thereby preventing skin breakdown or unnecessary pressure.
Perform neurovascular assessments to ensure adequate blood flow to the area.
TRACTION
Traction is the application of a pulling force to a part of the body to provide fracture
reduction (positioning bone fragments in correct alignment), reduce movement, or pain
relief.
Traction is classified as either continuous or intermittent.
 Continuous traction
 Required for fracture management
 Exerts a constant pull and is used for fractures and dislocation.
 Intermittent traction
 Provides a periodic pull or force and is used contractures, low back pain,
and muscle spasm
 not commonly used
Traction can also be performed manually for short periods of time.

Traction may be applied to the skin (skin traction) or directly to the bony skeleton (skeletal traction).

The most common types of traction are either skin or skeletal.

Skin traction typically involves the use of a Velcro boot (Buck’s traction), sling
(Russell’s traction or knee sling), belt (pelvic), or halter, which is secured around a part
of the body. This type of traction does not promote bone alignment or healing but is
used instead for relief of painful muscle spasms that often accompany fractures.
Skeletal traction also called balanced suspension, involves the use of pins
(Steinmann), screws, wires (Kirschner), or tongs (GardnerWells, Crutchfield), which are
surgically inserted into the bone for the purpose of alignment while the fracture heals.
From 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) of weight is usually applied for skeletal traction, as
ordered.

Caring for the patient in traction includes

 frequently monitoring neurovascular status for impaired blood flow
 checking the equipment to ensure proper functioning
  monitoring skin condition for pressure points or irritation from equipment.
Traction must be maintained at all times for fractures. All knots, ropes, weights, and
pulleys are inspected.

Skeletal traction uses a pin inserted into your bone. In skin traction, a splint or adhesive
is applied to your skin.