An understandmg of the historical development of the
traction illustrates that accurate traction application and
maintenance are crucial in ensurmg successful treatment
on Hamilton Russell traction Failure to mamtam the traction
accurately will decrease efficiency within the system
The resultant force may no longer act along the lme of the
femur Muscle puU will not be overcome and consequently
the patient will be m more pam and the fracture fragments
may not be aligned correctly The change m direction of
the traction force may be sufficient to disturb fracture
ahgnment and cause deformity (Flitter 1972, Cohen &INTRODUCTION