What are the two types of traction used in musculoskeletal treatment?

Skeletal traction and skin traction are the two main types of traction used in musculoskeletal treatment, each serving distinct purposes in the management of fractures and dislocations.

Skeletal traction involves the application of a heavy weight to a pin, wire, or screw that has been inserted into the bone, providing a strong and stable force to align fractured bones. This method allows for long-term immobilization and is particularly useful for severe fractures or conditions requiring significant stabilization over an extended period.

Skin traction, on the other hand, uses adhesive strips or a sling attached to the skin to apply a pulling force. This method is less invasive and is typically used for less severe injuries where long-term, extreme force is not necessary. Skin traction is often employed for conditions like certain types of fractures in children or for preoperative alignment.

The other choices, such as active and passive, manual and electrical, or static and dynamic, refer to different concepts within physiotherapy or rehabilitation but do not accurately represent the types of traction utilized specifically for musculoskeletal treatment. Active and passive involve patient participation or assistant application, while manual and electrical focus on modalities rather than the traction methods. Static and dynamic relate more broadly to types of forces rather than specific traction techniques in musculoskeletal care.