Preoperative traction for hip fractures in the elderly: a clinical trial.

A consecutive series of 100 patients with femoral neck fractures were assessed by a mental test score on admission. The 67 scoring within the normal range were randomly assigned to skin traction or no traction between admission and operation. Using pain assessment scales and records of analgesic consumption, there was found to be little difference between the two groups. The conclusion was that skin traction offered no benefits in pain control for the patient and therefore should not be used routinely.