Recognising and treating Colles' type fractures in emergency care settings

In this article, the author explains how to identify a Colles' type fracture, explains how to insert a haematoma block, and gives a step by step guide to reducing this type of fracture.

The setup and care of a patient in Buck's traction

Buck's traction is certainly one of the more common traction setups seen in orthopaedic patient care today. However, just because it is common doesn't mean we can take it for granted. Specific setup techniques as well as patient evaluation methods must be understood if the traction is to accomplish its task. The goal of this article is to go through some of the basics in techniques and perhaps explain why this traction is so commonly used.

Principles of traction

Traction has been the mainstay of orthopaedic management for thousands of years, with its use recorded by the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians. In more recent times, however, the advances in surgical reductions of fractures and muscutoskeletal disruptions, coupled with the economic imperatives of reducing hospital bed stay days has seen a reduction the use of prolonged periods of traction.

Challenges of traction in critical care: a case study

Traction can sometimes seem like an overwhelming challenge in the critical care setting not only to the patient and family, but also to the nurse. Critical care nurses must know the principles, purposes, methods, and patient care considerations necessary to be able to provide appropriate care and teaching for the patient in traction. This article describes these principles and then illustrates them through a case study. The case describes a patient who experiences multiple trauma and focuses on the nurse's role in the care of this patient in traction.

A joint protocol for home skeletal traction

Cost-effective delivery of quality patient care is a major focus of the orthopaedic advanced practice nurse's practice. Long-term skeletal traction therapy for select fractures of the pelvis remains a treatment option for certain patients. The purposes of this article are to describe the development of a joint proposal for home skeletal traction therapy and to analyze the cost savings involved by reviewing a case study of a home traction patient.

Halo skeletal traction pin site care: toward developing a standard of care

Halo skeletal traction may be used to immobilize a patient's head and neck following a cervical fracture. Prevention of infectious reactions around the pin sites of halo traction is a priority in rehabilitation nursing practice. Although prophylactic treatment of skeletal pin sites is a generally accepted practice, there is great diversity of opinion and very limited systematic investigation as to how the sites should be treated. In this article, the author reviews the literature on pin site care and suggests a protocol based on the current literature.

Care of the school-aged child in 90/90 traction

Children in the school-aged period are those most likely to sustain a fractured femur. One method of treatment for this age group is immobilization of the fracture in 90/90 traction. Specific needs of these children are discussed, and related nursing problems are identified. The physiologic and psychosocial aspects of nursing care are also addressed. Emphasis is placed on the developmental tasks inherent in this age group. Mastery of illness and hospitalization are central issues for the school-aged child and can be facilitated through the efforts of nursing and hospital staff. A therapeutic play program is also a beneficial adjunct to treatment and nursing care.

Understanding the principles of traction

As the use of traction has declined in recent years, nurses' skills in this area have consequently decreased. Standards of care for patients in traction might now be called into question. This article attempts to redress this imbalance by describing the principles behind safe and effective traction.

Traction basics: Part IV. Traction for lower extremities

Traction is a treatment modality used for the reduction or immobilization of fractures or dislocations. It is used to maintain alignment; decrease muscle spasms, relieve pain; correct, lessen, or prevent deformities, expand joint spaces before surgery; promote rest to diseased or injured body parts; and promote exercise. Nurses need a working knowledge of the various types of traction along with its rationale, correct setup, and maintenance. They must become familiar with potential complications and use nursing diagnoses to work with patients to strive to achieve expected patient outcomes.

Traction basics: Part III. Types of traction

Traction is a treatment modality used for the reduction or immobilization of fractures or dislocations. It is used to maintain alignment, decrease muscle spasms, relieve pain, correct, lessen or prevent deformities, expand joint spaces prior to surgery, promote rest to diseased or injured body parts and to promote exercise. Nurses need a working knowledge of the various types of traction along with its rationale, correct setup, and maintenance. They must become familiar with potential complications and use nursing diagnoses to work with patients to strive to achieve expected patient outcomes.

Traction basics: Part II. Traction equipment

Traction is a treatment modality used for the reduction or immobilization of fractures or dislocations. It is used to maintain alignment, decrease muscle spasms, relieve pain, correct, lessen or prevent deformities, expand joint spaces prior to surgery, promote rest to diseased or injured body parts and to promote exercise. Nurses need a working knowledge of the various types of traction along with its rationale, correct setup, and maintenance. They must become familiar with potential complications and use nursing diagnoses to work with patients to strive to achieve expected patient outcomes.

Traction basics: Part I

Traction is a treatment modality used for the reduction or immobilization of fractures or dislocations. It is used to maintain alignment, decrease muscle spasms, relieve pain, correct, lessen or prevent deformities, expand joint spaces prior to surgery, promote rest to diseased or injured body parts and to promote exercise. Nurses need a working knowledge of the various types of traction along with its rationale, correct setup, and maintenance. They must become familiar with potential complications and use nursing diagnoses to work with patients to strive to achieve expected patient outcomes.