Treating severe fractures can be complex, painful, and difficult to manage. In situations where traditional casting or splinting does not work, doctors opt for the skeletal traction technique. This method has been saving limbs for decades and is considered one of the most effective external stabilization methods.
Now you might be wondering what skeletal traction is? and why is it critical to understand its procedure, its uses and recovery plan? Whether you’re a patient waiting for skeletal traction treatment or a caregiver knowing all the details of this treatment might assist in reducing anxiety and having clear communication with the medical provider.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to understand about skeletal traction, whether it’s the procedure, its uses or how does the recovery plan of this treatment work?
What is Skeletal Traction?
Skeletal traction is an orthopedic procedure that is used to treat complex fractures and joint-related problems. It is done by applying a steady pulling force directly to the bone. This treatment is done by inserting pins, wires, or screws into the fractured bone through surgery. The weight applied during the procedure depends upon the patient’s body weight or injury type, typically ranging between 10-20 pounds(7kg).
Bones Where Skeletal Traction Is Most Effective?
- Distal femur
- Proximal tibia
- Cervical spine
Skeletal Traction Procedure
The skeletal traction procedure is done quite carefully under controlled medical examination. This is because this surgery is done by directly applying continuous pressure on the bone.
The skeletal traction procedure comprises the following steps:
- Pre-Procedure Preparation
Comprehensive diagnostic imaging is done to determine the exact location and severity of the fracture.
A metal surgical Steinmann pin or Kirschner wire (K-wire) is inserted into the distal femur or proximal tibia.
- Weight and Pulley Application
With the help of pulleys, weights of around 7kg or more is attached to the pin inserter. This is the step where constant tension is applied to the affected bone.
- Post-procedure Monitoring
The patient is monitored for blood circulation, infection due to pin insertion, and pain management.
The force is applied again until the surgery is completed. Balanced skeletal traction technique and closed reduction is used to ensure there are no skeletal traction complications.
Types of Skeletal Traction
Skeletal traction procedures have different types. The most effective type is selected based on the injury. Since this surgical procedure is applied in complex cases, it is significant to understand its type so that further complications are avoided and recovery speed increases.
Balanced Skeletal Traction
In this type of procedure, the counterweights and pulleys are used for patients’ mobility and dynamic adjustment.
Femoral Skeletal Traction
This type is used for mid-thigh fractures and is applied through the femur.
Tibial Skeletal Traction
This type is preferred for lower leg injuries and is applied through the tibia.
Skeletal Traction vs Skin Traction
Although Skeletal traction and skin traction are both orthopedic surgeries but their use and application differ.
Short Comparison Table of skeletal traction and skin traction
| Point |
Skeletal Infection |
Skin Traction |
| Surgery Application |
Pins and wires are inserted into the bones. |
Adhesive straps or bandages are applied to the skin. |
| Weights Used |
Weighs around 7kg or more |
Weights under 5kg |
| Complications |
More complicated due to a pin infection. |
Lower complications, but skin irritation. |
| Nursing Care |
Skeletal traction nursing care is required regularly. |
Regular care is not required |
| Preferred Use Cases |
Complex fractures, such as closed reduction. |
Minor hip dislocations or pediatric fractures. |
Skeletal Traction Complications
Skeletal traction is an effective treatment but it needs to be handled with care as it gives tension due to weights on the bone. By understanding the skeletal traction complications the healthcare providers and caretakers can reduce the chances of risks and improve recovery.
Here are a few complications:
- Pin site infections are caused by to insertion of pins.
- Skin breakdown due to pressure on Ulcers
- Muscle atrophy due to extended periods in traction causes joint stiffness.
- Malalignment occurs if the weight is not properly calibrated.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is caused due to risk of blood clotting, which will then require an effective blood clot treatment for complete recovery.
Skeletal Traction Recovery Plan
A proper skeletal traction recovery plan is significant to ensure a speedy healing process. Whether traction is used for surgery or it is used as an initial step of a treatment, such as closed reduction, a proper, effective recovery plan is essential for healing.
To have a safe return to mobility after complex traction such as akin osteotomy, it is essential to follow a clear skeletal traction recovery plan to avoid complications.
- Careful hospital-based care
- Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management
- Skilled skeletal traction nursing care for monitoring
- Physical therapy for faster recovery
- Follow-up appointments and clinical evaluation
Skeletal Traction Recovery Stages: Healing Roadmap
| Time Period |
Focus Area |
Key Activities |
| 1-2 weeks |
Immobilization, body stability, and infection control. |
Have effective nursing care to monitor pin sites. |
| 3-4 weeks |
Monitoring the healing process |
Adjust weight and evaluate through laboratory testing. |
| 5-6 weeks |
Transition to mobilization |
Start physical therapy, remove traction, and observe bone growth. |
| 7 and ongoing week |
Complete home recovery |
Use of a bone stimulator is required, continue physiotherapy. |
How Bone Stimulators Support Skeletal Traction Recovery
During the skeletal traction procedure, weights and pulleys are used to correct bone alignment. At times, during this phase, due to age and the complexity of the fracture, the healing process might take time. This is when a bone stimulator helps the patients recover.
When is a Bone Stimulator Useful?
- The healing process takes time after the surgery.
- The patient has a previous history of smoking, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
- The affected area is in weight-bearing bone, such as the femur and tibia.
The Final Thought on Skeletal Traction: Healing with Confidence
In the end, it can be demonstrated that understanding the procedure and complications of skeletal infection not only educates you about this treatment but also helps you take necessary steps during the healing and surgery process.
Skeletal traction is used for complex fractures distal femur or proximal tibia and also in broader orthopedic approaches including akin osteotomy, and closed reduction.
Are you experiencing symptoms of a skeletal infection or need emergency evaluation? Visit our board-certified emergency physicians at the ER of Irving for immediate assessment, diagnostic testing, and coordination with orthopedic specialists for treatment planning and recovery options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is skeletal traction?
Skeletal traction is a medical surgery procedure to stabilize a fracture by inserting pins and wires to attach them to weights and pulleys.
What are the complications of skeletal traction?
The most common complications are muscle wasting, pin infection, blood clotting at times, and prolonged instability. With a proper sprains and fracture treatment this condition can be avoided.
Why and why not skeletal traction?
Skeletal traction is preferred in complex fractures, such as for the femur, where splinting is difficult. This surgery is not suitable where the splint or brace cannot be placed or where the skin starts breaking where the pins are inserted.
How long does it take to apply skeletal traction?
The skeletal traction usually takes around 6-8 weeks but can be often increased to 10 weeks for complete recovery.
How to calculate the weight for skeletal infection?
It usually takes around 7kg but differs depending on the severity and body weight. In general, it takes 10% of the body weight.
