MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lateral traction

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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: 10/27/2003

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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