Traction for Fracture around a Loose Tibial Component with Poor Bone Stock

In orthopedics, a common complication after Knee Joint Replacement surgery is the loosening of the metal or plastic implants. When this happens, the bone near the implant may become weaker, leading to fractures. This can cause immense pain and difficulty in walking or performing daily activities. Hence, it is crucial to treat these fractures as early as possible to avoid any further complications.

One of the treatment options for fractures that occur around a loose tibial component with poor bone stock is Traction. Traction is a medical procedure used to pull or stretch bones and muscles to provide relief from pain or correct deformities. In fractures, it is used to re-align the broken bones and keep them immobilized while they heal.

The procedure for Traction for fractures around a loosened tibial component can be divided into the following steps:

1. Pre-operative Assessment: Before starting the Traction procedure, the patient's medical history, allergies, and medications taken are assessed. The patient is also evaluated through X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and other imaging tests to determine the extent of the fracture.

2. Anesthesia: Traction procedure is generally performed under regional or general anesthesia, depending upon the patient's medical condition and preference.

3. Traction Application: In this step, a device called a traction tower is attached to the surgical table or bed, and the affected leg is secured with straps to prevent any movement. Various weights are added to the upper end of the traction tower, and the force is transmitted down to the affected limb. This pulls the bones apart, aligning them in their correct position.

4. Fixation: Once traction is applied, the surgeon will assess the alignment of the fractured bones through X-rays or other imaging tests. If the bones are properly aligned, then the surgeon will fix the fracture by applying a cast, brace or external fixator.