Traction ,cast and fixation

1. Traction ,cast and fixation
nursing care

2. Outlines:
• Introduction of musculoskeletal system.
• Definition of traction.
• Purpose of traction.
• Types of traction.
• Definition of cast.
• compare & contrast plaster & fiberglass casts.
• Explain the care required while a plaster cast
dries.
• definition of external and internal fixation.
• nursing management for client with traction
,cast and fixation.

3. Objectives:
◦ Define the traction, cast and fixation
nursing care.
◦ Discuss the nursing management for
client with traction ,cast and fixation.
◦ Explain the care required while a plaster
cast dries .

4. traction

5. traction
Traction is the application of a pulling
force to a part of the body.
refers to the set of mechanisms for
straightening broken bones or relieving
pressure on the spine.

6. The purpose of traction is to:
regain normal length and alignment of involved
bone.
relieve pressure on nerves, especially spinal.
To minimize muscle spasm.
 To reduce align, and immobilize fractures
 To reduce deformity

7. Types of traction:
Skin traction: Skin Traction : is maintained by
direct application of a pulling force on the
client’s skin . It is generally used as a temporary
measure.
Skeletal traction: Skeletal Traction : is attached
directly to bone , providing a strong steady,
continuous pull, and can be used for prolonged
periods .

8. Modern techniques:
• Buck's traction- involving skin traction. It is widely
used for femoral fractures, low back pain, acetabular
fractures and hip fractures
• Dunlop's traction – humeral fractures in children
• Milwaukee brace
• Bryant's traction

9. Nursing management:
Alteration in Peripheral Tissue Perfusion:
 Circulatory Care: tissue perfusion is enhanced by
client exercises within the limitations of the
traction.
 Exercises, regular deep breathing and coughing,
adequate fluids, and elastic stocking work
together to prevent deep venous thrombosis.
 Teaching the client about anti-coagulant is
essential.

10. cast

11. Definition of cast :
• A protective shell of fiberglass, plastic, or plaster,
and bandage that is molded to protect broken or
fractured limb

12. Compare between
plaster/fiberglass cast

13. Care required while the plaster cast
dries
once applied heat is given off for ~ 15 minutes &
may be uncomfortable
while the plaster sets, the cast will remain soft &
touching may lead to indentations which may then
create pressure spots
until dry
handle the cast with palms of hands only - not
fingers
do not rest cast on hard surfaces or sharp edges

14. fixation

15. fixation
• Fixation in orthopedics is the process by which an injury is
rendered immobile. This may be accomplished by internal
fixation, using intramedullary rod, Kirsches wire or dynamic
compression plate; or by external fixation, using a spanning
external fixator, Taylor Spatial Frame or Ilizarov apparatus.

16. Fractures can be
treated conservatively or with external
and internal fixation

17. Internal fixation
surgical procedure that stabilizes and joins the
ends of fractured (broken) bones by
mechanical devices such as metal plates, pins,
rods, wires or screws

18. External Fixation
A device placed outside the skin that stabilizes
bone fragments with pins or wires connected to
bars
“Relative stability “
Healing with callus

19. Nursing care of halo fixation

20. Summary
Traction:
refers to the set of mechanisms for straightening
broken bones or relieving pressure on the spine
Cast :
A protective shell of fiberglass, plastic, or plaster, and
bandage that is molded to protect broken or fractured
limb
FIXATION :
Fixation in orthopedics is the process by which an injury is
rendered immobile. This may be accomplished by internal
fixation, using intramedullary rod, Kirsches wire or dynamic
compression plate; or by external fixation, using a spanning
external fixator, Taylor Spatial Frame or Ilizarov apparatus

21. Resource:
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traction_(or
thopedics)
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14
615566
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixation