Which is an indication for traction?

Which is an indication for traction?

• A. Disk Herniation
• B. Fracture
• C. Tendon Rupture
• D. Dislocation

Answer: (A)

Traction aims to relieve nerve root compression by distracting spinal segments and reducing a disc protrusion that may impinge a nerve. When a disc herniation causes radicular symptoms, gentle mechanical distraction can help lessen pressure on the affected nerve root, which can relieve pain and improve neurologic signs. That makes disc herniation the best indication among the options. Fracture or dislocation are not indications for traction; they are conditions where moving the spine can worsen alignment, stability, or the injury itself, so traction would be contraindicated. Tendon rupture isn’t treated with traction either, since pulling on a ruptured tendon risks further injury and doesn’t address the underlying problem.

Traction aims to relieve nerve root compression by distracting spinal segments and reducing a disc protrusion that may impinge a nerve. When a disc herniation causes radicular symptoms, gentle mechanical distraction can help lessen pressure on the affected nerve root, which can relieve pain and improve neurologic signs. That makes disc herniation the best indication among the options.

Fracture or dislocation are not indications for traction; they are conditions where moving the spine can worsen alignment, stability, or the injury itself, so traction would be contraindicated. Tendon rupture isn’t treated with traction either, since pulling on a ruptured tendon risks further injury and doesn’t address the underlying problem.