Principles of Traction
- Patient must be placed in correct body alignment in center of bed to maintain line of pull
- Traction is maintained continuously, unless the physician prescribes otherwise
- Countertraction is maintained continuously
- All ropes must move freely on the pulley at all times
- Rope knots should never touch the pulley
- Ropes should be kept clear of bed linens and any other objects
- Weights must hang freely at all times
- Skeletal traction must never be released
by
Dr. Judith A. Halstead