What is the main purpose of skin traction?

The main purpose of skin traction is to align fractured bones. Skin traction is a non-surgical method used primarily in the management of fractures, particularly in areas like the femur and tibia. By applying a pulling force through the use of adhesive pads or straps attached to the skin, traction helps to gently realign the fractured parts of the bone. This realignment is crucial in facilitating proper healing and ensuring that the bones mend in the correct position, thereby preserving function and reducing complications associated with misalignment.

Immobilization of fractures is a supportive measure, but it is not the primary goal of skin traction. While skin traction does achieve some level of immobilization as it holds the bones in place, its foremost objective is the correct alignment of the fractured bone fragments. Surgical procedures such as the removal of membranes or performing fusion procedures are unrelated to the mechanism of skin traction, which is specifically focused on non-invasive methods to manage fractures effectively.