Traction question

Specialties Orthopaedic

Published

On my unit we don't often get ortho patients, especially those in traction. However, we had one that stymied all of us recently. Is it common to have 35lbs of traction applied directly to an external fixator? None of us had seen traction applied that way before, and the pt was definitely not tolerating the weight.

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I have NEVER seen traction directly applied to a ex fix ???? Not in 8 years of doing ortho I will look into it.

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

you never attach anything directly onto the fixator. there should be still a brace to put on the pt for the traction. i would have never put that on, and questioned it immediately

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I However have seen that. ExFixs are multiples of the traditional steinman pin/rod used in skeletal traction.. Have you asked the orthopod the purpose. Is it straight to the pin or thru several pulleys? Does the ExFix go through the bone or is it attached to a plate on the other side?

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Specializes in Orthopedic, Med/Surg.

I have never seen traction on an external fixator but have seen up to 85 lbs with a steinman pin with pulleys. It would make sense if the external fixator pins went through the bone, essentially the same as a steinman pin. I would definitely question why. Can't care for a patient when you don't know whats going on... interesting, can you let me know why it was used?

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What do you mean by external fixator?maybe, you are referring to a steinmann pin?and if not , i also have not seen anything like that before. May i know what kind of external fixator did they use?there are two main kinds of fixators.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Oh there are many many different ones.

Look at this site. Lots of pictures and good explanations.

http://www.lifebridgehealth.org/cyberknife/body_rubin.cfm?id=1509

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