How much traction is required for a patient with bilateral leg injuries weighing 100 kg?

In determining the amount of traction required for a patient with bilateral leg injuries, it's essential to consider the principle of providing sufficient force to counteract muscle contractions and stabilize the fracture. The general guideline for calculating traction weight typically involves using a patient's weight as a reference point.

For a patient weighing 100 kg, the recommended amount of traction is often calculated as approximately 10-15% of their total body weight. Therefore, 10 kg would generally be too low to effectively manage the condition, as it may not provide enough stabilizing force to immobilize the fractures properly. Choosing a heavier weight, such as 12 kg, would start to approach adequate levels of force but might still be insufficient for complete stabilization.

The selection of 14 kg aligns well with the calculated requirements based on the weight of the patient. It provides a balance between maintaining effective traction and ensuring patient comfort and safety. Thus, this amount helps in counteracting any muscle spasms or movements that could further complicate the patient's injuries.

In contrast, 16 kg might begin to exceed the necessary traction, potentially causing discomfort or complications for the patient. Therefore, 14 kg represents an appropriate and effective amount of traction for a 100 kg individual with bilateral leg injuries.