Which of the following is a contraindication to traction?

Which of the following is a contraindication to traction?

• A. Osteophyte Formation
• B. Nerve Root Impingement
• C. Meningitis
• D. Fracture

Answer: (D)

Traction relies on the spine’s structural integrity to apply a controlled pull. If a fracture is present, the bone is broken and the segment is unstable. Loading that area with traction can cause the fracture fragments to shift, worsen misalignment, delay healing, or injure the spinal cord or nearby nerves. That is why a fracture is an absolute contraindication to traction. Osteophyte formation reflects degenerative changes and is not by itself a reason to withhold traction; many patients tolerate traction with appropriate precautions, and it can help relieve some mechanical compression. Nerve root impingement may even improve with traction by unloading the affected nerve, so it’s not an automatic contraindication—though responses should be monitored for safety. Meningitis involves an infection that requires medical management; it isn’t a direct mechanical reason to avoid traction, but the patient’s overall medical stability and infection control are important considerations before proceeding.

Traction relies on the spine’s structural integrity to apply a controlled pull. If a fracture is present, the bone is broken and the segment is unstable. Loading that area with traction can cause the fracture fragments to shift, worsen misalignment, delay healing, or injure the spinal cord or nearby nerves. That is why a fracture is an absolute contraindication to traction.

Osteophyte formation reflects degenerative changes and is not by itself a reason to withhold traction; many patients tolerate traction with appropriate precautions, and it can help relieve some mechanical compression.

Nerve root impingement may even improve with traction by unloading the affected nerve, so it’s not an automatic contraindication—though responses should be monitored for safety.

Meningitis involves an infection that requires medical management; it isn’t a direct mechanical reason to avoid traction, but the patient’s overall medical stability and infection control are important considerations before proceeding.