Which is a contraindication to traction?

Which is a contraindication to traction?

• A. Chronic Joint Pain
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Marfan Syndrome
• D. Acute Inflammation

Answer: (D)

Traction is contraindicated when tissues are acutely inflamed because this phase is marked by irritation, swelling, and tissue fragility. Adding a pulling force can worsen inflammation, increase pain, and slow healing by overloading already irritated structures. The goal during acute inflammation is protection and rest, not mechanical loading. Other conditions may require caution or are not absolute barriers—osteoporosis raises fracture risk with traction, and Marfan syndrome calls for careful assessment due to connective tissue and cardiovascular concerns—while chronic joint pain isn’t an automatic contraindication. But the acute inflammatory state is the clearest reason to avoid traction.

Traction is contraindicated when tissues are acutely inflamed because this phase is marked by irritation, swelling, and tissue fragility. Adding a pulling force can worsen inflammation, increase pain, and slow healing by overloading already irritated structures. The goal during acute inflammation is protection and rest, not mechanical loading. Other conditions may require caution or are not absolute barriers—osteoporosis raises fracture risk with traction, and Marfan syndrome calls for careful assessment due to connective tissue and cardiovascular concerns—while chronic joint pain isn’t an automatic contraindication. But the acute inflammatory state is the clearest reason to avoid traction.