What is the primary purpose of Buck traction in musculoskeletal injuries?

• A. Shortens the limb to realign bones.
• B. Heals soft tissue injuries through immobilization.
• C. Immobilizes hip and femur fractures with weights producing traction.
• D. Prevents DVT by increasing venous return.

Answer: (C)

Buck traction uses a pulling force applied along the leg to align a hip or femur fracture and keep the leg immobilized, primarily to relieve muscle spasm and maintain alignment until definitive treatment. It’s a skin traction with weights attached to a boot or band, not a method to shorten the limb or to directly heal soft tissue. It also isn’t a measure to prevent DVT; its role is alignment and pain relief while awaiting surgery or other definitive care. Nursing implications include keeping the weights free to hang, maintaining the leg in proper alignment, and monitoring skin and distal neurovascular status to catch complications early.