Traction Pin Research Articles

Audio Distraction for Traction Pin Insertion: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Insertion of a skeletal traction pin in the distal femur or proximal tibia can be a painful and unpleasant experience for patients with a lower-extremity fracture. The purpose of this study was to determine whether providing patients with audio distraction (AD) during traction pin insertion can help to improve the patient-reported and the physician-reported experience and decrease pain and/or anxiety during the procedure. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at 2 level-I trauma centers. Patients ≥18 years of age who were conscious and oriented and had a medical need for skeletal traction were included. Patients were randomized to receive AD or not receive AD during the procedure. All other procedure protocols were standardized and were the same for both groups. Surveys were completed by the patient and the physician immediately following the procedure. Patients rated their overall experience, pain, and anxiety during the procedure, and physicians rated the difficulty of the procedure, both on a 1-to-10 Likert scale. A total of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight received AD and 26 did not. Femoral fractures were the most common injury (33 of 55, 60.0%). Baseline demographic characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. The overall patient-reported procedure experience was similar between the AD and no-AD groups (3.9 ± 2.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.1 to 4.7] versus 3.5 ± 2.2 [95% CI, 2.9 to 4.1], respectively; p = 0.55), as was pain (5.3 ± 3.2 [95% CI, 4.4 to 6.2] versus 6.1 ± 2.4 [95% CI, 5.4 to 6.8]; p = 0.28). However, anxiety levels were lower in the AD group (4.8 ± 3.3 [95% CI, 3.9 to 5.7] versus 7.1 ± 2.8 [95% CI, 6.3 to 7.9]; p = 0.007). Physician-reported procedure difficulty was similar between the groups (2.6 ± 2.0 [95% CI, 2.1 to 3.1] versus 2.8 ± 1.7 [95% CI, 2.3 to 3.3]; p = 0.69). AD is a practical, low-cost intervention that may reduce patient anxiety during lower-extremity skeletal traction pin insertion. Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Accuracy of pin placement in the canine thoracolumbar spine using a free-hand probing technique versus 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides: An ex-vivo study.

To compare pin placement accuracy, intraoperative technique deviations, and duration of pin placement for pins placed by free-hand probing (FHP) or 3D-printed drill guide (3DPG) technique. Four greyhound cadavers. Computed tomography (CT) examinations from T6-sacrum were obtained for determination of optimal pin placement and 3DPG creation. Two 3.2/2.4-mm positive profile pins were inserted per vertebra, one left and one right from T7-L7 (FHP [n = 56]; 3DPG [n = 56]) by one surgeon and removed for repeat CT. Duration of pin placement and intraoperative deviations (unanticipated deviations from planned technique) were recorded. Pin tracts were graded by two blinded observers using modified Zdichavsky classification. Descriptive statistics were used. A total of 54/56 pins placed with 3DPGs were assigned grade I (optimal placement) compared with 49/56 pins using the FHP technique. A total of 2/56 pins placed with 3DPGs and 3/56 pins using the FHP technique were assigned grade IIa (partial medial violation). A total of 4/56 pins placed using the FHP technique were assigned grade IIIa (partial lateral violation). No pins were assigned grade IIb (full medial violation). Intraoperative technique deviations occurred with 6/56 pins placed using the FHP technique and no pins with 3DPGs. Overall, pins were placed faster (mean ± SD 2.6 [1.3] vs. 4.5 [1.8] min) with 3DPGs. Both techniques were accurate for placement of spinal fixation pins. The 3DPG technique may decrease intraoperative deviations and duration of pin placement. Both techniques allow accurate pin placement in the canine thoracolumbar spine. The FHP technique requires specific training and has learning curve, whereas 3DPG technique requires specific software and 3D printers.

Implementing an Educational Module for Orthopaedic Residents Placing Skeletal Traction

Although placement of a distal femoral traction (DFT) pin is a relatively simple procedure used to stabilize femoral and pelvic fractures, it places patients at risk of iatrogenic vascular, muscular, or bony injury. We designed and implemented an educational module combining theory and practical experience to standardize and improve resident teaching on the placement of DFT pins. We introduced a DFT pin teaching module into our second-year resident "boot camp," which is used to help prepare residents for taking primary call in the emergency department at our level I trauma center. Nine residents participated. The teaching module included a written pretest, an oral lecture, a video demonstration of the procedure, and a practice simulation on 3D printed models. After completing the teaching, each resident underwent a written examination and proctored live simulation involving 3D models using the same equipment available in our emergency department. Pre-teaching and post-teaching surveys were used to assess resident experience and confidence with placing traction in the emergency department. Before the teaching session, the rising postgraduate year 2 residents scored an average of 62.2% (range, 50% to 77.8%) on the DFT pin knowledge quiz. This improved to an average of 86.6% (range, 68.1% to 100%) (P = 0.0001) after the teaching session. After completing the educational module, they also demonstrated an improvement in confidence with the procedure, from 6.7 (range, 5 to 9) to 8.8 (range, 8 to 10) (P = 0.04). Despite reporting high levels of confidence in their ability to place traction pins before starting the postgraduate year 2 consult year, many residents also reported anxiety around the accurate placement of traction pins. Early results of our training program showed improved resident knowledge of safe placement of traction pins and improved confidence with the procedure.

A comparison of pin site complications between large and small pin diameters in robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty

PurposeRobotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty typically necessitates use of tracking pins, which can vary in diameter. Complications such as infections and fractures at the pin-site have been observed, but clarification of the effect of pin diameter on complication is needed. The aim of this study is to compare the pin-related complication rates following robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty between 4.5 mm and 3.2 mm diameter pins.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, 90-day pin-site complication rates after robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty were compared between 4.5 mm diameter and 3.2 mm diameter groups. In total, 367 patients were included: 177 with large pin diameter and 190 with small pin diameter. All four pin sites were evaluated using postoperative radiographs. Cases without orthogonal views or visualization of all four pin tracts were noted. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for age, which differed between the two cohorts.ResultsThe rate of pin-site complications was 5.6% in the large pin diameter cohort and 2.6% in the small pin diameter cohort, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. The adjusted odds ratio for complications in small compared to large diameter group was 0.48, with a p-value of 0.18. The most common pin-site complication was infection/persistent drainage, found in 1.9% of patients, followed by intraoperative fracture of the second cortex in 1.4%. Intraoperative fracture could not be ruled out in 96 cases due to inadequate radiographic visualization of all pin sites. There was one postoperative pin-site fracture in the large diameter cohort, which required operative fixation.ConclusionThis study demonstrates no statistically significant difference in pin-site complication rates after robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty between 4.5 mm and 3.2 mm pin diameter cohorts, although there was a trend towards increased intraoperative and postoperative pin-site fractures in the 4.5 mm group.

Comparison of Lateral versus Medial Entry Femoral Traction Pin Complication Rates

Comparison of Lateral versus Medial Entry Femoral Traction Pin Complication Rates

An Unusual Inverted Talar Neck Fracture–Dislocation

Talar neck fractures occur on a continuum of injury severity. Hawkins classification, later modified by Canale, is the gold standard method of describing talar neck fractures by the degree of dislocation. It has proven to be clinically relevant in predicting risk of osteonecrosis. Despite its merits, talar neck fractures present on a wide spectrum of involvement of the body and neck, dislocation, and concomitant injuries, making every situation a challenge in treatment. We present a unique case of a talar neck fracture in which the talar dome had dislocated and inverted 180°, which is not described in the widely used Hawkins classification. We recommend urgent open reduction, low threshold for use of a transcalcaneal traction pin and dual incisions, and guarded prognosis of osteonecrosis and posttraumatic arthritis.

Pitfalls and suggestions for the treatment of open, comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx using custom-made dynamic external fixators: a retrospective case series

Background: The proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is a synovial joint prone to injury encompassing a wide spectrum of severity. In the setting of complicated injuries, dynamic external traction systems are considered to be the optimal treatment modality with numerous different Kirschner-wire configurations combined with rubber bands, springs, pulleys, or hinges being described. However, many of these pose significant technical challenges for the surgeon or are unwieldy to the patient emphasizing the need for simple, easy to construct, and well-tolerated modifications, which are equally effective in reducing the fracture and allowing early motion. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of 12 patients with open complex PIPJ fracture dislocations treated with a custom-made external fixator based on the one that was originally suggested by Suzuki et al. All patients were men with an average age of 55.1 yr (23 to 81). Injured digits involved four index, five middle, and three ring fingers. Results: The mean follow-up was 54.36 mo, and all patients healed without a second operation and returned to their jobs and preinjury level of activity. The average active range of motion of the PIPJ was 75.16±3.18 degrees, DIPJ was 69.33±14.7 degrees, and MCPJ was 88.75±1.97 degrees. Mean Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)-Japan Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) score at the final examination was 4.33±1.38 (range 2.3 to 6.8). The authors recorded five complications involving two rubber bands breaking, one pin-track infection, one rubber band-axial traction pin malposition, and one swan neck deformity, which were treated accordingly. Conclusions: One of the most crucial factors affecting outcome in this kind of injury is the appearance of the digit and functional results. None of the participants in this series had any complaint about the appearance of their fingers in the final examination, and 10 out of 12 judged the cosmetic result as very good. To the authors' knowledge, this report is one of the few that describes the functional outcome of pins and rubbers traction system (PRTS) application in complex fracture and fractures-dislocations with severe comminution of the middle phalanx and not only fractures related to the PIP joint. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Calcaneus Fracture Fixation in Prone Position: A Novel Technique and Case Series.

Introduction: Calcaneus is one of the most commonly fractured tarsal bones. The use of computed tomography (CT) has enabled more accurate fracture configuration and classification of fractures. The outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment of these fractures have been extensively debated with variable results. Significant complications following intra-articular fractures have been reported in the literature despite management by experienced surgeons. This article will discuss the treatment of calcaneus fractures by open reduction and internal fixation in a prone position with a calcaneal traction pin, and assess the outcomes following this novel technique.Methods: Fifty-three patients with 58 acute displaced intra-articular calcaneal closed fractures (Sanders type II and III), presented to one tertiary center, were treated by open reduction and internal fixation in a distracted prone position through an extensile lateral approach by a single surgeon and assessed for postoperative wound and soft tissue complications. The primary outcome measure was postoperative wound complications. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative ankle and subtalar range of motion and return to work. Radiological assessment of anatomical reduction by measuring preoperative and postoperative Bohler’s angle, Gissane angle, and posterior facet joint depression was conducted. A comparison was made with paired sample t-test with a confidence interval of 95%.Results: Fifty-three patients with 58 calcaneus fractures were treated surgically. Three cases (5.6%) developed postoperative wound infection, of which only one needed surgical intervention. The reoperation rate was 5.6% in our study. Half of the patients (50%) were able to be followed up long-term, and the radiographs showed significant restoration of Bohler’s angle and posterior facet joint depression in 24 patients. Return to full duties was achieved in an average of 5.6 months for 16 of 22 patients, who were available for follow-up questions with regard to return-to-work status.Conclusion: Operative treatment of calcaneus fracture by open reduction and internal fixation in the novel distracted prone position technique has shown a low rate of the wound and soft tissue complications and can be considered as an alternative approach in treating these fractures.

Treatment of Old Knee Dislocation With Open Reduction and Proximal Tibial Traction Pin: A Case Report

Treatment of Old Knee Dislocation With Open Reduction and Proximal Tibial Traction Pin: A Case Report

Functional Outcome of Joshi’s External Stabilization System Fixation in Distal Radius Fractures

BackgroundDistal radius fractures account for almost one-sixth of all fractures in a casualty setting. The usual aim of distal radius fracture treatment is to restore the function of the wrist joint, of which the distal radius is an important part. There seems to be no consensus regarding which mode of treatment is optimal for managing distal radius fracture, particularly when it is associated with distal radioulnar joint instability.ObjectiveTo describe the functional outcome in patients presenting with displaced distal radius fractures who undergo Joshi’s external stabilization system (JESS) fixation.MethodsAn observational study was done among 32 working-age (18 to 55 years) patients presenting with unilateral displaced distal radius fractures (excluding volar displaced) and subsequently treated with JESS fixation. The outcomes of the patients were assessed using the Green and O’Brien Scoring System modified by Cooney et al. at six months and one year following the surgery. Radiographs were also taken postoperatively and during follow-up. The data were analyzed (using IBM SPSS software version 22 and Microsoft Excel) in terms of the proportion of patients with acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes.ResultsAcceptable functional outcomes (good and excellent scores in the Green and O’Brien Scoring System) were observed in 78.1% of the study population. Though the functional outcome scores were higher among the younger age group, a statistically significant difference was not obtained. 96.9% of the patients had acceptable radiological reductions, and infection of the pin tracts complicated 9.4% of the cases. A significant improvement in outcome scores (p-value 0.0001) was observed between the outcome scores at six months and one year after surgery.ConclusionsJESS fixation is an easy and effective method for treating displaced distal radius fractures to achieve good to excellent clinical outcomes. The functional outcome scores were better in the younger age group and male patients, but no statistically significant difference was observed.

Effect of calcium sulfate on promoting natural healing of docking sites during bone transport

To observe clinical effect of calcium sulfate on promoting natural healing of docking sites during bone transport. A retrospective study was performed on the patients with posttraumatic chronic osteomyelitis treated by bone transport and calcium sulfate implantation from January 2013 to January 2018. There were 23 males and 4 females, aged from 20 to 61 years old with an average of (44.30±10.00) years, the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 86 months with an average of(13.26±16.47) months. Sixteen patients with posttraumatic chronic osteomyelitis were caused by internal fixation of closed fractures, and 11 patients were caused by open fractures. The length of bone defects after debridement ranged from 4 to 14 cm with an average of(9.11±2.57) cm. Postoperative complications, natural healing rate of the docking sites, external fixation index were observed, Checketts & Otterburn pin-tract infection classification was used to evaluate pin-tract infection, and Paley evaluation criteria was used to evaluate bone and function results. Twenty-seven patients were followed up from 26 to 41 months with an average of (31.32±3.37) months. It did not happened skin embedded between bone stumps in all patients. All patients obtained bone union at (17.78±5.43) months after operation.Among them, 25 patients healed naturally in the docking sites, 2 patients with poor compliance healed after debridement and bone grafting in the docking sites. One patient occurred equines deformity, and no re-fracture or recurrence of infection occurred. According to Checketts & Otterburn pin tract infection classification, 22 patients (41 pin tracts)occurred pin-tract infection with varying degrees. The average external fixation index was (2.02±0.24) months/cm(ranged from 1.6 to 2.4 months/cm). According to Paley evaluation criteria, bony results showed 21 patients obtained excellent results, 5 good, and 1 moderate;functional results showed 19 patients got excellent results, 7 good, and 1 moderate. During bone transport, the implantation of calcium sulfate on the bone defect areas could prevent skin embedding between the bone stumps, benefit for the natural healing of the docking sites, and could avoid the second-stage debridement and bone grafting for most patients. However, it should be noted that compliance needs to be increased.

Is a Low-Cost Drill Cover System Noninferior to Conventional Surgical Drills for Skeletal Traction Pin Placement?

The Drill Cover system was developed as a low-cost alternative to conventional surgical drills with specific applicability to low- and middle-income countries. However, the system may also be useful for the sterile placement of traction pins in the emergency department of high-income country hospitals. In September 2019, a US-based Level-1 trauma center began using the Drill Cover system to apply skeletal traction pins in patients with femoral shaft fractures. With these data, we performed a retrospective interrupted time series study to determine if the Drill Cover system was noninferior to conventional surgical drills in terms of infections at the traction pin site. The study included 205 adult patients with femoral shaft fractures initially placed in skeletal traction using a conventional surgical drill (n = 150, preintervention group) or the Drill Cover system (n = 55, postintervention group). The primary outcome was an infection at the site of skeletal traction pin placement that required surgery or antibiotics, which was compared between groups using a noninferiority test with a 1-sided alpha of 0.05 and a noninferiority margin of 3%. No infections at the site of skeletal traction pin placement were found in either the preintervention or the postintervention group (difference, 0%; 95% confidence interval: 0.0%-1.4%; noninferiority P value < 0.01). The results suggest that the Drill Cover system was noninferior to conventional surgical drills regarding infections at the site of skeletal traction pins. The Drill Cover system may be a safe alternative to the more expensive surgical drills for skeletal traction pin placement in the emergency room environment.

Proximal Tibia Skeletal Traction: Technique and Indications

Skeletal traction is a fundamental tool for the orthopaedic surgeon caring for patients with traumatic pelvic and lower-extremity orthopaedic injuries. Skeletal traction has proven to be an effective initial means of stabilization in patients with these injuries. Traction may be used for both temporary and definitive treatment in a variety of orthopaedic injuries. With the appropriate knowledge of regional anatomy, skeletal traction pins can be placed safely and with a low rate of complications. Several methods for placing skeletal traction have been described, and it is critical for orthopaedic surgeons to be proficient not only in their application but also understanding of the appropriate indications for use. Here we present a case example of a patient with a right femur fracture and discuss the technique and indications for placement of proximal tibia skeletal traction.

Calcium sulfate antibiotic-impregnated bead implantation for deep surgical site infection associated with orthopedic surgery in small animals.

To report the outcomes and complications associated with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads for prevention and treatment of orthopedic-related surgical site infection (SSI) in companion animals. Retrospective case series. Client-owned cats (n = 2) and dogs (n = 14). Medical records of 16 cases in which implantation of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads was performed for the prevention or treatment of SSI were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, prior surgery, reason for bead placement, antibiotics used, bacterial culture results, and clinical outcomes. Surgical site infection resolved in six of 10 animals treated therapeutically and did not occur in six of six animals treated prophylactically. Susceptibility of the causative bacteria to the antibiotic implanted was confirmed in five of six cases with resolved SSI treated therapeutically but in only one of four cases with unresolved SSI treated therapeutically. Complications directly related to bead placement were evident in only one case in which beads extruded from external skeletal fixator pin tracts 7 days after implantation. At final follow-up, 11 of 12 animals without SSI had satisfactory limb use and no clinical, cytologic, or radiographic evidence of infection. Implantation was well tolerated. Resolution of SSI was inconsistent; however, when bacteria were susceptible to the antibiotic implanted, SSI resolved in all but one case. Antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads could be considered for prevention or treatment of orthopedic SSI in small animals. A prospective clinical study is required to obtain additional information, including the value of preoperative bacterial culture.

Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis causing Brodie’s abscess of the tibia in an adult man

A 50-year-old man with a childhood history of right tibial fracture managed non-operatively with traction pin placement was referred to the orthopaedics clinic. He had several months of worsening right...

Research on Articulated Connector Load Identification Based on Dynamics

At present, articulated vehicles are developing rapidly in China and articulated connectors are important parts of articulated vehicles. In March 2016, CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock co. LTD designed the GJ1 articulated connector. Due to the complexity of the articulated connector structure and stress distribution, it is necessary to study its loads in the application process. In this paper, the load identification of an articulated connector was mainly studied based on dynamic analysis. The dynamic model of the two coupling articulated vehicle was established. The relative motion relation of bump joints and the load conditions under some working conditions were analyzed. Finally, the finite element model was established and the static strength of the articulated connector was analyzed by means of the definition contact between the articulated connector parts. The results showed that the relative lateral displacement and relative side roll rotation angle of the concave and bump joints of the articulated connector were maximum in each working condition. More attention should be paid to the actual operation. The static strength of the main stressed parts of an articulated connector meet the design requirements. Since the material used for traction pin was not determined, high-strength tool steels T10 and T10A were recommended.

Child of steel

Allergic reactions to metal implants have been on the rise reaching an incidence of 10-17% in the general population. In Asia, nickel ranks among the top five most common source of metal sensitivity. We present a case of nickel allergic contact dermatitis secondary to an orthopaedic implant. 12/M with chronic osteomyelitis of the left tibia presented with non-union of the bones necessitating an Ilizarov fixator implant using conventional SAE 16 stainless steel plate and bone graft. After 9 months, there was paucity of the bone allograft necessitating adjustment of the Ilizarov fixator and repeat bone allograft. 2 weeks after the second revision of the metal implant, the child manifested with pruritic wheals on both his flanks lasting for a week. Months later, the wheals developed along the pin tracts with serous exudate. Orthopaedics entertained a possible hypersensitivity to the metal implant and the fixator was removed. For further work-up, the child was referred to dermatology and allegro-immunology service whereupon further history revealed that he has a prior undocumented allergy to metal accessories when he was 6 years old. A patch test was later performed revealing +1 reaction to nickel. Failure of the union of the left tibia and decreasing function of the left leg necessitated a below-knee amputation and subsequent application of a prosthetic limb. This is a rarely reported case of metal implant allergy in a pediatric patient presenting as failure in wound healing and non-union of tibial fracture. This case further emphasizes the importance of a complete medical history in assessing a patient with possible metal allergy and its proper diagnosis and management. This case also highlights the possible role of metal exposure and the patient’s chronic infection in the pathogenesis of bone non-union.

Freehand Pedicle Screw Placement Using a Universal Entry Point and Sagittal and Axial Trajectory for All Subaxial Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbosacral Spines.

ObjectiveExisting techniques of freehand pedicle screw placement primarily focus on various entry points with or without axial trajectory. The objective of this paper is to propose a universal entry point and sagittal and axial trajectory for all subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spines freehand pedicle screw placements, and to report the results from a single‐surgeon clinical experience with freehand pedicle screw placement.MethodsTwo spine vertebrae specimens and 20 cases of three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions of spine CT images were used for observation of the entry point and sagittal and axial trajectory. The author retrospectively reviewed a total of 610 consecutive patients who underwent open, freehand pedicle screw fixation using a universal entry point and sagittal and axial trajectory for all subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spine placements, during an 8‐year period from January 2010 to December 2017. The junction of the lateral margin of the superior articulating process and the transverse process for the thoracic and lumbosacral spines, or lateral mass for the subaxial cervical spine, was determined. The entry point was chosen at 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm (2 mm on average) caudally and medially to this junction for subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spines placements, respectively. Both sagittal and axial trajectories were perpendicular to the sagittal and axial planes of the laminae of the isthmus. Among them, 68 patients underwent postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, including 26 cervical cases, 19 scoliosis thoracic cases, 10 non‐scoliosis thoracic cases, 8 lumbar cases, and 5 sacral cases. Placements of pedicle screws were assessed using CT data and outcome‐based classifications systems.ResultsAfter placing the iron scurf at the junction of the lateral margin of the superior articulating process and the transverse process, the present universal entry point was located at 1 o'clock or 11 o'clock of the pedicle's axial view. After inserting the 2.5 mm Gram needle or the pedicle virtual pin tracts according to the entry point and sagittal and axial trajectory described above, the presented trajectory was located in the pedicle's axial trajectory as in the described technique. A total of 766 pedicle screws were placed in 68 CT scan patients with a 99% accuracy rate in the non‐kyphoscoliosis group and 92% in the kyphoscoliosis group.ConclusionsFreehand pedicle screw placement based on the universal entry point and sagittal and axial trajectory for all subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral spines can be performed with acceptable safety and accuracy.

Lower-Extremity Skeletal Traction Following Orthopaedic Trauma: Indications, Techniques, and Evidence.

» Skeletal traction is a fundamental tool for the orthopaedic surgeon caring for patients with traumatic pelvic and lower-extremity injuries.» Immobilization of fractures in the pelvis, acetabulum, and proximal part of the femur can be difficult with traditional splinting techniques. Skeletal traction has proved to be an effective alternative means of immobilization in such cases.» Traction may be utilized for both temporary and definitive treatment of a variety of orthopaedic injuries.» With the appropriate knowledge of regional anatomy, skeletal traction pins can be placed safely and with a low rate of complications.» Several methods for placing skeletal traction have been described, and it is critical for orthopaedic surgeons not only to be proficient in their application but also to understand the appropriate indications for use.

Skeletal traction pin diameter and deflection under load: a biomechanical evaluation with clinical correlation

Background: There is scant literature to guide the placement of skeletal traction. The purpose of this study was to test a tensioned traction bow, a nontensioned traction bow, and a traction set up without a bow to measure the amount of pin deflection. By quantifying the deflection of various traction systems under load, guidelines can be provided regarding equipment selection for skeletal traction. The goal was to develop a protocol to minimize the equipment necessary and time to traction placement. Methods: A Sawbones® skeletal traction model was designed to measure the amount of deflection of Steinmann pins of various diameters using a Kirschner tensioning bow, a Böhler (nontensioning) device, and a simple design using only weight and nylon cord. Increasing weight was added to each system and deflection recorded. Data were then evaluated to determine the smallest pin diameter that can reasonably withstand a weight of 35 pounds using the cord-only traction design. Results: Overall, larger pins deflected less. When comparing the traction systems, the tensioned bow had the least deflection, followed by the nontensioned bow, and the cord-only system. In the cord-only system, the 2.8-mm pin was the smallest diameter that successfully withstood the maximum weight without failing. The cord-only design was left in place for 48 hr without further increase in deflection. Conclusions: A simple skeletal traction design consisting of a 2.8-mm smooth Steinmann pin, segment of nylon cord, and weight can be applied with limited tools in a safe and efficient manner.