Skin traction requires pressure on the skin to maintain the pulling force across the bone. A maximum of 5 kg of weight may be applied using this method. More than 5 kg of weight will result in the skin becoming excoriated with blister formation and pressure sores caused by slipping of the tightly wrapped strapping. Wrapping the straps more tightly to prevent slipping increases the risk of creating a compartment syndrome in the injured extremity.
If more than 5 kg of weight is needed to control the fracture, use skeletal traction instead.