Foam-Rubber Padding for Pelvic Traction Post

Abstract

To the Editor:— The degree of traction necessary to reduce and hold a broken hip on a fracture table during surgery will not uncommonly cause severe pudendal pressure at the pelvic traction post. In three instances I have noted vulvar edema and in one case a vulvar decubitus secondary to this pressure. A simple apparatus to pad the traction post and avoid these sequelae can be fashioned with two commercial foam-rubber heel pads. When the pads are slipped over the post (Figure), an effective perineal cushion is created. Since using this method, we have encountered no further difficulty from traction post pressure.