The act of pulling on a body structure in the direction of its normal alignment is called:

• A. Traction
• B. Distraction
• C. Reduction
• D. Manipulation

Answer: (A)

Applying a pulling force along the length of a limb toward its normal alignment is called traction. In fracture care, traction helps bring the fractured ends into line and maintain that alignment while the limb is immobilized and prepared for transport, which is why it’s used with traction splints for long-bone injuries. Distraction would pull fragments apart and worsen alignment, reductions are the broader process of realigning bones (which can include traction but isn’t defined solely by the pulling direction), and manipulation refers to manual repositioning without specifying that longitudinal, directionally correct pull along the limb.