Clean the limb with soap and water and dry it. If available, use a commercial traction set, which will contain adhesive tapes, traction cords, spreader bar and foam protection for the malleoli. This is usually not available, so improvise the apparatus as described below.
Measure the appropriate length of adhesive strapping and place it on a level surface with the adhesive side up. Ask the patient about adhesive tape allergy before applying.
Place a square wooden spreader of about 7.5 cm (with a central hole) in the middle of the adhesive strapping (Figure 17.1).