Russell's traction is commonly utilized for which type of injury?

Russell's traction is often employed in the treatment of fractures of the shaft of the femur. This form of traction effectively stabilizes the fracture by applying a pulling force to the leg, which helps to maintain proper alignment of the fractured bones and reduces discomfort. The design of Russell's traction uses a system of pulleys and weights to create a continuous longitudinal traction along the femur, which is beneficial for promoting healing and preventing complications such as malunion or nonunion.

In the context of femur shaft fractures, this method is particularly advantageous because it allows for mobility in the other leg, which is important for patient comfort and overall rehabilitation. In contrast, the other injuries listed, such as shoulder dislocations, elbow fractures, and ankle sprains, typically do not require this type of traction and are treated with different approaches such as immobilization, casting, or splinting rather than the specific mechanism of Russell’s traction.