A brief review of the effects of preoperative skin traction on hip fractures

The use of preoperative skin traction is still reported today as a treatment for hip fractures whilst awaiting surgery at many hospitals. The main rationale for its continued use is pain relief for the injured patient. It has also been suggested that traction prior to surgery maintains the position...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of orthopaedic nursing 2006-08, Vol.10 (3), p.138-143
Main Author: Foster, Kelly
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Fractures
Hip fractures
Hip joint
Orthopedic traction
Preoperative treatment
Traction (skin/skeletal)
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The use of preoperative skin traction is still reported today as a treatment for hip fractures whilst awaiting surgery at many hospitals. The main rationale for its continued use is pain relief for the injured patient. It has also been suggested that traction prior to surgery maintains the position of the fracture, thereby making reduction of the fracture easier when operating. However, there are also disadvantages to its use, primarily concerning the development of pressure sores and the potential damage traction equipment can cause to skin. The studies reviewed concluded that preoperative traction was not successful as an analgesic tool, nor did it contribute to the development of pressure sores. No evidence showed that traction aided fracture reduction or the healing time after surgery. The use of preoperative skin traction should therefore not be used routinely as a therapeutic intervention for hip fractures before surgery.
ISSN:1361-3111
1873-4839
DOI:10.1016/j.joon.2006.06.002