Preventing limb loss in bone crushing injuries

Extreme sports can sometimes result in extreme injuries. Joints are a focal point for crushing mechanical forces that can collapse fluid pathways such as lymphatic systems embedded in the joints and vascular systems passing through the joints that are crucial to the bodies ability to maintain and repair itself. A crushed joint has no ability to support the soft tissue pathways and keep them functioning. When this happens the result is extreme swelling, lack of circulation, and subsequent death of tissue or gangrene. Putting a limb in slight traction to unfold and open soft tissue pathways will greatly improve the chances of a successful recovery. Fluid pressure is not enough to maintain open pathways, particularly when cramping muscular forces are no longer counteracted by a supporting bone structure and soft tissues are compressed. Imagine if you will, the ease at which inflatable toys and the like are filled once unfolded versus folded. Traction can solve this dilemma, restore circulation, and prevent gangrene and subsequent limb loss.