Buck's extension traction is used to manage which injury?

• A. To immobilize the knee
• B. To align the femur and reduce pain in a femur fracture
• C. To treat scoliosis
• D. To treat ankle fracture

Answer: (B)

Buck's extension traction is a skin traction that applies gentle longitudinal pulling along the leg to realign a femur fracture and relieve muscle spasm, thereby reducing pain. The boot or sling is weighted to maintain extension along the axis of the femur, which helps position the fracture fragments for better alignment and comfort while awaiting definitive treatment such as casting or surgery. It’s specifically focused on the femur, not on immobilizing the knee, and it’s not used for scoliosis or ankle fractures. Because it’s skin traction, monitor the skin and the leg’s neurovascular status, keep the weights free-hanging, and assess for signs of skin breakdown or impaired circulation.