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Interface pressure produced by the traction post on a standard orthopaedic table.
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS10, UK. Toplisscj@hotmail.com
Injury
|October 16, 2001
Summary
High pressures during lower limb traction can cause tissue damage. Using larger padding (10 cm) on the perineal post significantly reduced these harmful pressures, preventing potential nerve and skin complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Biomechanics
Background:
- Lower limb traction, often used in orthopedic procedures, can cause high tissue pressures in the perineal region.
- These pressures may lead to serious complications such as skin necrosis and nerve palsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify perineal tissue pressures during lower limb traction.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different padding types and sizes in mitigating these pressures.
Main Methods:
- Volunteers were positioned on a fracture table with lower limb traction applied.
- Perineal contact pressures were measured using transducers connected to a laptop.
- Pressure readings and pain scores were recorded with varying padding and leg positions.
Main Results:
- Maximal perineal pressures exceeded 70 mmHg, a known threshold for tissue damage.
- Larger padding devices (10 cm) significantly reduced measured tissue pressures.
- Pain scores correlated with pressure readings.
Conclusions:
- Careful padding of the perineal traction post is crucial to prevent high tissue pressures.
- Larger padding significantly mitigates the risk of tissue damage and associated complications during lower limb traction.