1-29
1-29. BUCK'S EXTENSION TRACTION
a. This form of skin traction to the lower limb (see figure 1-14) provides for straight pull through a single pulley attached to a crossbar at the foot of the bed. The limb in traction lies parallel to the bed. The foot of the bed is routinely elevated to provide counter traction and to keep the patient from being pulled down to the foot of the bed. In Buck's extension traction, the patient is usually not allowed to turn and must remain flat on his back.
b. Check alignment of the leg to maintain a straight line of pull from the rope attached to the spreader bar to the pulley mounted on the foot of the bed. Also check the bandage wrappings and tape or moleskin strips to be sure that they are adhering properly and have not slipped downward. Report immediately if any part of the wrappings or traction apparatus appears to be out of place.
Figure 1-14. Buck’s traction.
