Preoperative traction in patients with hip fractures

A series of 80 patients with cervical, trochanteric or subtrochanteric hip fractures were randomized to either treatment without traction, skin traction, or skeletal traction during the 1883 h between admission and operation. The institution of skin or skeletal traction was not particularly painful for the patient, but we found no indication that either was of discernible benefit. The number of analgesic medications needed was no higher in patients without traction. We conclude that traction should not be administered routinely to patients awaiting operation for hip fracture.