tures, (2) to overcome muscle spasm in musculoskeletal conditions, and (3) to lessen or prevent contracture of joints following injury or incident to a disease. There are various methods of obtaining traction but some are used more frequently than others. Manual traction is, of course, used only until a splint is applied or a fracture is reduced. Fitted appliances such as leather anklets for Buck's extension -a simple form of extension without suspension-or head halters for traction on the neck may be used. Skin traction is usually accomplished by applying adhesive tape to the part, and attaching the ends of the tape to a "spreader" on which the pull is exerted. Instead of adhesive, some orthopedists prefer to use flannel bandage over an application of an adherent solution that is applied directly to the skin.