Lateral orientation
Lateral orientation

Lateral traction

Definition:
Using tension to pull to the side. This is a technique in which tension is used to move a body part to the side or away from its original location.

Information:
Traction can be used to treat a hip dislocation by applying tension to the leg with weights and pulleys to realign the bone within the hip socket and to keep it in place while it heals.

Traction as a treatment involves the amount of tension (or force) used, the length of time the tension is used, and the means used to maintain the tension.

Review Date: 10/4/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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