lower extremity suspension [ME, low + L, extremitas + suspendere, to hang] , an orthopedic procedure used in the treatment of bone fractures and the correction of orthopedic abnormalities of the lower limbs. Traction equipment, including metal frames, ropes, and pulleys, is used to relieve the weight of the involved lower limb rather than to exert traction pull. Lower extremity suspension may be either unilateral or bilateral and is used in the postoperative, posttraumatic, or postreduction control of edema. Compare balanced suspension, upper extremity suspension.
