Radiological Outcome of the Gradual Increase in Skeletal Traction in Acetabular Fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma care
• Radiology

Background:

• Displaced acetabular fractures pose significant challenges in preoperative management.
• Effective preoperative reduction is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of gradually increasing vector traction weight for reducing displaced acetabular fractures before surgery.
• To determine the optimal traction weight and timing for improved fracture reduction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 21 patients with displaced acetabular fractures.
• Application of vector traction (supracondylar and lateral methods) with gradual weight increments.
• Assessment of fracture reduction using serial radiographs, defining displacement >2 cm.

Main Results:

• Fracture reduction was achieved in 18 out of 21 patients (85.7%).
• Traction weight ranged from 5% to 33.33% of body weight.
• Traction applied within seven days of trauma significantly improved reduction (p = 0.025).
• Complications (pain, pin-tract infection) occurred in 17.9% of cases, unrelated to traction parameters.

Conclusions:

• Vector traction, particularly around 20% of body weight, is an effective method for preoperative reduction of displaced acetabular fractures.
• Early application of traction (within seven days) enhances reduction success.
• While complications are possible, they were not significantly influenced by traction weight or duration.