MAINTENANCE
Maintenance assumes such a great importance because
failure to accurately maintain the traction will result m
decreased efficiency withm the system. Maintenance is
concerned with keeping the traction force along the line
of the femur The tapes, bandages, cords and pulleys
should be m good condition The position of the slmg is
also important (Styrcula 1994) If the shng is too small it
may act as a fulcrum and if it is too large it may cause
postenor bowing This can lead to stretchmg ofthe fracture
fragments and possible non-union (Cassels 1983) Cohen
& Vielhon (1979) recommend marking the position of the
slmg with a marker on the patient's skm