MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lateral traction

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Lateral traction

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Information

Illustrations

Lateral orientation

Definition Return to top

Lateral traction is a technique in which tension is used to move a body part to the side or away from its original location.

Information Return to top

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.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.