Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Traction Principles and Application Flashcards

Russell's traction differs from straight Buck's traction primarily because it:

Answer: Adds a sling under the knee to create a resultant upward and longitudinal force

Russell's traction uses a knee sling to create a combined longitudinal and upward force vector, suspending the knee and pulling the femur.

During cervical halter traction, the chin and occiput must bear weight equally primarily to:

Answer: Avoid temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stress and skin breakdown

Unequal weight distribution in cervical halter traction places excessive pressure on the TMJ and can cause skin breakdown over bony prominences.

Dunlop traction is specifically indicated for which fracture?

Answer: Supracondylar humerus fractures in children

Dunlop traction is used for supracondylar humerus fractures in children when surgical fixation is delayed or as a temporizing measure.

Counter-traction in a bed-bound traction patient is most commonly achieved by:

Answer: Elevating the foot of the bed

Elevating the foot of the bed uses the patient's body weight as counter-traction, preventing the patient from sliding toward the traction.

In 90-90 traction for femoral shaft fractures, the hip and knee are each maintained at approximately:

Answer: 90° flexion

90-90 traction positions both the hip and knee at 90° of flexion, which relaxes the hamstrings and allows better fracture alignment.

Which pin site is most commonly used for distal femoral skeletal traction?

Answer: Supracondylar femur / distal femoral metaphysis

The distal femoral metaphysis is the standard pin site for distal femoral skeletal traction, providing effective control of the femoral shaft.

Pelvic traction is most commonly applied for which condition?

Answer: Lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy

Pelvic traction is a conservative treatment used for lumbar disc herniation or low back pain to distract lumbar vertebrae and reduce nerve root compression.