A simple substitute for when the abduction pillow is unavailable

Abstract

Abduction pillows are a commonly used device in the immediate to short-term post-operative management in patients undergoing a variety of hip or pelvic procedures. Traditionally these pillows have been used following total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a preventive measure against early dislocation. Despite recent evidence that there may be no beneficial effect in preventing dislocation, a significant number of surgeons still use these pillows in their post-operative management. In our institution we most often use the abduction pillow in the post-operative course of patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the hip predominantly due to intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. The abduction pillow is typically left in place during periods of bedrest for 5 days unless discharge takes place earlier. On occasion the abduction pillow is unavailable due to logistical error or lack of stock. Faced with this problem we developed a construct using readily available pillows and bandages to use in its place.