Authors: S F DeFroda J A Gil C T Born
Publish Date: 2016/07/23
Volume: 42, Issue: 6, Pages: 695-700
Abstract
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 placementReview 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 placementBy 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 intraarticular placement which could potentially lead to joint infectionDr 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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