What is the appropriate weight of the pulling force in skeletal traction?

In skeletal traction, the appropriate weight of the pulling force is crucial for effective treatment of fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. The weight used in skeletal traction typically ranges from 5 to 15 pounds, depending on the specific situation, but often a common practice is to use around 15 pounds for adult patients. This weight is sufficient to provide the necessary traction to align the bones without causing excessive strain on the surrounding tissues or increasing discomfort for the patient.

Using too light of a weight may not provide enough force to effectively realign the fractured limbs, while using too heavy of a weight could lead to complications such as tissue damage or impairment of circulation. Therefore, utilizing 15 pounds balances sufficient correction and safety, making it a generally accepted standard in clinical settings for skeletal traction.