The last one hundred years have seen the development of effective methods of applying isotonic traction to the leg for the treatment of fractures of the shaft of the femur. The success of these methods has been tested not only by clinical evaluations but also by means of x-rays. Because of their advantages, these methods of traction have been exploited in the treatment of fractures of many other bones. Buck, Russell, Steinmann, Kirschner, and Pearson are names recurring daily on our fracture wards. Their concern for the welfare of their patients led to substantial improvements in the treatment of all patients with fractures.