Balance Skeletal Traction (BST) Traction Traction is used to manage fractures in an effort torealign broken bones; it is most often

used as atemporary measure when operative fixation is notavailable for a period of time. Traction can either be applied through the skin (skintraction) or through pins inserted into bones (skeletaltraction) Skin traction is generally less desirable due to the factthat skin can be injured when pressure is applied for extend periods of time. Skin traction called Buck'straction - is commonly used in patients who have ahip fracture Skeletal traction does have the disadvantage of complications associated with pin insertion, andinfections can come from the sites of pin insertion Balance Skeletal Traction (BST) Purpose: To maintain the anatomical position of the fractured bone

Skeletal traction requires an invasive procedure inwhich pins, screws, or wires are surgically installedfor use in longer term traction requiring heavier weights. Weights used in skeletal traction generally range from2540 lbs (1118 kg) Other forms of skeletal traction are tibia pin traction,for fractures of the pelvis, hip, or femur; andoverhead arm traction, used in certain upper armfractures. Cervical traction is used when the neck vertebrae are fractured. Materials needed: 1) Thomas Splint placement of the thigh2)Pearson Attachment placement of the leg3)Steinmans holder 4)Steinmans pin5)Traction weighta.10% of the Body weight b.Inside of the suspension rope6)Supension weighta.50% of the traction weight7)Rest Splint8)3 ropes:a.Thigh rope the shortest b.Suspension rope the longestc.Traction rope9)Slings & pins10)Foot board The Thomas splint - (half ring) is applied in various ways: with the ring fitted posteriorlyagainst the ischium or anteriorly in the groin. The thigh rests in a canvas or bandage-stripsling with the popliteal space left free. The leather ring should not be wrapped or padded.If kept smooth, dry, and polished, the leather of the ring isdesigned to rest against theskin and resist moistureThe

Pearson attachment - is attached by clamps to the Thomas splint at knee level. Acanvas or bandage-strip sling supports the lower leg and provides the desired degree of knee flexion. A footplate is attached to the distal end of the Pearson attachment to support the foot in a neutral position. The heel should be left free

Thomas Splint - The traction is in line with the long axis of the femoral shaft and is maintained by the rope, pulley, and weights attached to the skeletal tractor, which is fitted onto the wire or pin. Counter traction and balanced suspension are provided by the ropes, pulleys, andweights attached to the Pearson attachment. When all is operational, the thigh and Thomas splint will be suspended at about a 45 angle with the bed and the lower leg andPearson attachment will be suspended horizontal to the mattress. The patient may sit up,turn toward the traction side, and raise his hips above the bed by means of the trapeze and still maintain the line of traction Application of Traction 1.Verify Doctors order 2.Inform the patient about the need & purpose of the procedure 3.preparation a.Identify the different parts of orthopaedic bed b.Assemble the neede equipments i.Thomas Splint ii.Pearson Attachment1 Rest SplintSteinman Holder Steinman Pin