Preoperative skin traction in patients with hip fractures is not useful

One hundred twenty patients with cervical or trochanteric hip fractures were allocated randomly to groups receiving either skin traction or no special treatment while awaiting surgery. No differences were found between the groups in terms of pain experienced, the need for supplementary analgesics, or complications during the hospital stay. In addition, the repositioning and percentage of united fractures after 4 months did not differ significantly between the groups. The application of skin traction offered no benefits, and thus routine use of preoperative skin traction in patients with hip fractures is not recommended.