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A traction frame is an orthopedic device used to apply controlled pulling force to part of the body. It can be attached to a hospital bed, operating table, or fracture table depending on the setting. The frame helps position, align, or stabilize a limb or body part during treatment or surgery. Traction frames are used by trained clinical teams because incorrect force or positioning can cause injury.
read more about traction frame ...A traction frame is used to help align fractures, position a limb, reduce muscle pull, or improve access during orthopedic procedures. It may be used during hip, femur, pelvis, tibia, or lower-limb surgery. In some settings, traction can also help stabilize an injury before definitive treatment. The purpose depends on whether the frame is used for temporary treatment, surgical positioning, or fracture reduction.
A traction frame may include support bars, clamps, pulleys, ropes, weights, boots, foot plates, traction posts, or limb supports. Operating room traction frames may connect to a specialized surgical table and allow controlled limb positioning under imaging. Bed-mounted systems may use weights and pulleys to maintain traction. The parts selected depend on the injury, procedure, and traction method.
The clinical team positions the patient and secures the limb or body part to the frame. Traction force is applied gradually and monitored for alignment, comfort, circulation, and nerve function. Imaging may be used to confirm fracture position or surgical access. The team checks skin, pressure points, pulses, sensation, and movement during use.
Traction frames can cause skin injury, nerve compression, pressure sores, muscle pain, pin-site infection, circulation problems, or complications from prolonged immobility. Excessive force, poor positioning, or inadequate padding can increase risk. Patients should report numbness, tingling, worsening pain, coldness, color change, or pressure discomfort. Traction should not be adjusted or removed unless the care team instructs it.
No. Some traction frames are used during orthopedic surgery, while others are used at the bedside for temporary stabilization or treatment.
Traction can cause pressure or aching, but severe pain, numbness, or circulation changes should be reported right away.
Skin traction applies pulling force through the skin with straps or boots. Skeletal traction applies force through a pin or wire placed in bone.
No. Traction force and positioning should be adjusted only by trained healthcare staff because incorrect changes can affect alignment or cause injury.
Keeping the Traction on in Orthopaedics. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7515792/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
How To Apply a Femoral Traction Splint. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/how-to-splint-or-immobilize-a-lower-limb/how-to-apply-a-femoral-traction-splint. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Skeletal traction. AO Surgery Reference. https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/orthopedic-trauma/adult-trauma/proximal-femur/basic-technique/basic-technique-skeletal-traction. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Skin Traction: Application and Management. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/SESLHDGL%20094%20-%20Skin%20Traction%20Application%20and%20Management.pdf. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
The comparison of the effect of double reverse traction repositor and traction table for femoral neck fractures. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10111643/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.