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Indications and anatomic landmarks for the application of lower extremity traction: a review

  • Review Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Fractures of the lower extremity, particularly of the femur and acetabulum, may be difficult to immobilize with splinting alone. These injuries may be best stabilized with the application of various types of skeletal traction. Often, traction is applied percutaneously in an emergent setting, making the knowledge of both superficial and deep anatomy crucial to successful placement.

Methods

Review was performed via PubMed search as well as referencing the Orthopaedic literature. Relevant articles to the anatomy of the knee, ankle and calcaneus as they pertain to traction placement were referenced in compiling the optimal recommendations for traction placement.

Conclusion

By palpating and marking superficial landmarks and observing specific anatomic relationships, safe application of traction pins can be performed while minimizing iatrogenic injury to vital anatomic structures, and avoiding intra-articular placement which could potentially lead to joint infection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    S. F. DeFroda & J. A. Gil

  2. Division of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedics, Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    C. T. Born

Authors
  1. S. F. DeFroda
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  2. J. A. Gil
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  3. C. T. Born
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. F. DeFroda.

Ethics declarations

No human participants or animals were utilized in this work. Informed consent was obtained for the usage of any patient imaging at the time of their initial procedure

Conflict of interest

Dr. Christopher Born is a consultant for Styker and receives research funding from Stryker and the Foundation of Orthopaedic Trauma. He has stock options in Illuminoss and Biointraface. Dr. Steven DeFroda and Dr. Joseph Gil have no conflicts or financial interests to report. No funding was received for this work.

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DeFroda, S.F., Gil, J.A. & Born, C.T. Indications and anatomic landmarks for the application of lower extremity traction: a review. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 42, 695–700 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-016-0712-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-016-0712-3

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