Patent ID: 7022094

Claim:
A method of generating traction on a damaged limb of a patient that involves the steps of: releasably affixing a traction-generating device to a backboard, said traction generating device comprising a proximal support member, a distal support member, and an axial support member; wherein the distal support member is substantially at the distal end of the traction-generating device; placing a patient on the backboard; adjusting a telescoping section of the traction-generating device to fit the patient; locking the telescoping section of the traction-generating device at a desired length; affixing a proximal support member to a limb region closer to the body relative to the damaged region of said limb; affixing a distal support member to a limb region further from the body relative to the damaged region of said limb; applying tension on said damaged limb by generating compressive forces within said telescoping section of said traction generating device; and imaging the damaged limb while said traction generating device is still operably attached to the damaged limb of said patient.